CSO celebrates Beethoven with Symphony No. 5

It is arguably the most recognized four notes in symphonic music: da-dada-daaaaah. Three short notes then one long lower note.

That distinctive musical motif opens Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, which the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will perform tonight, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St. The performance will mark the beginning of a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth.

“In 2020, musicians all over the world will be celebrating Beethoven’s 250th anniversary, and we are no exception,” says Kayoko Dan, CSO music director.

“The CSO will perform his most beloved piece, Symphony No. 5 in C minor. This monumental and revolutionary work will be paired with Brahms’ breathtaking Violin Concerto and Barber’s Second Essay for Orchestra,” she says.

Guest artist Alexander Sitkovetsky will be featured on Brahms’ Violin Concerto, a work that showcases the extreme skill of the soloist.

“As a frequent String Theory performer, [Alexander Sitkovetsky] is no stranger to Chattanooga. I am looking forward to our first collaboration on the Tivoli stage,” says the conductor.

“Samuel Barber is one of my favorite composers of the 20th century because his works are often beautiful, unique and very personal. His essays are a great representation of his style and composition language,” she says of the third piece in the concert.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the CSO box office at 423-267-8583 or online at http://chattanoogasymphony.org.

CSO CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Guest violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky.