An Evening of Beethoven

An unmissable evening of Beethoven performed by The Orchestra of Opera North is coming soon to The Great Hall at Lancaster University on Thursday 20th January 2005 at 7.30pm. This is the orchestra’s first visit to Lancaster International Concert Series.

The programme reveals Beethoven the man, through his music. Ranging from the fiery Egmont Overture, where freedom triumphs over tyranny, to the dancing athleticism of his glorious Seventh Symphony, by way of the ‘emperor among concertos’ with its touching slow movement.

The Orchestra of Opera North holds a unique place amongst British Orchestras. Universally praised by audiences and critics alike, the Orchestra is the only ensemble in the country to have a year-round dual role in the opera house and concert hall. It is also the resident Orchestra for the Leeds Conductors Competition.

Christian Gansch Conductor

Austrian born Christian Gansch studied piano and violin at the Hochschule in Vienna. During his time as a professional violinist, Gansch studied conducting, Since 1985 Gansch has conducted numerous European orchestras, including the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Flanders, the Prague Chamber Orchestra and the Munich Chamber Orchestra.

In January 2003 was invited to join the Russian National Orchestra's Conductor Collegium. He also works on a regular basis with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and made his first appearance at the Proms with them in 2003.

Antti Siirala Piano

"He took the audience by storm ... like a radiant northern light, the star of this young Finn ascended the firmament of Pianists." Der Standard, Austria

Aged just 20, Antti Siirala became Winner of the International Piano Competition in London in April 2000. He has since secured his position as one of the foremost pianists of his generation winning 1st Prize in the Leeds & Dublin International Piano Competitions.

Siirala frequently performs in solo recitals, with orchestra and as a chamber musician on international forums. He has made solo appearances in many important European music centres including London (Royal Festival Hall & Queen Elizabeth Hall), Milan (Sala Verdi), Paris, Brussels and Berlin.

Egmont Overture, Piano Concerto No. 5, ‘Emperor’, Symphony No. 7.

Box Office 01524 594151 Tickets: £16, £13, £10 (£12.50, £10.50, £8 concs.) Young person £5. Full details for the rest of the season are at: www.lancasterconcerts.co.uk