We’re celebrating the 248th anniversary of the birth of the legendary classical composer, Ludwig van Beethoven with a 12-hour birthday party, and you’re invited!
Join your favorite classical hosts on December 14th beginning at 6 AM, for a joyful day filled with the brilliant and sumptuous works of Beethoven—from piano and chamber music to concertos and more.
Hear your favorites again, or experience Beethoven’s music for the first time - either way, it's your membership support that helps keep timeless music thriving on WRTI and in our community.
Whether it's a new membership, a renewal, or an additional gift, your support during this season of giving makes it all possible. Contribute now or call us at 1-866-809-9784.
We’ll have special thank-you gifts, so be sure to join us!
Fun facts about Beethoven:
- The “van” is not German, but reflects where his family was from, the Flemish, Dutch-speaking part of what is now Belgium.
- An early music teacher insisted that Beethoven read philosophy.
- He later studied with Haydn, and possibly met Mozart, in Vienna. Beethoven’s friend Waldstein said, “you shall receive Mozart’s spirit from Haydn’s hands.”
- He noticed by 1801 that he was going deaf. He had written only one of his nine symphonies at that point.
- Afraid that Beethoven was about to leave Vienna for other opportunities, a group of wealthy admirers produced an annual pension for him, making him, some say, the first independent professional composer. It had a catch: he couldn’t leave Vienna. Although the amount lessened as benefactors died, Beethoven stayed in Vienna the rest of his life.