Conductor John Atkin, front, centre, with York Beethoven Project musicians
YORK Beethoven Project Orchestra is approaching the half way point in its aim to play a complete cycle of all nine Beethoven symphonies before his bi-centenary in 2027.
Next up will be “probably the best known of all”, Symphony No. 5 Op 67 in C minor, at St Mary’s Church in Hemingbrough on Saturday, June 28, concluding with an informal, free public performance at 4pm.
Founder and conductor John Atkin says: “To reach the half way point is a great milestone. It’s come around so quickly since the first discussion to set up the project took place under the stage in Harrogate Theatre in 2023.
“We have played the first four symphonies with an average of 52 musicians and the format works well for us. Registrations take place up to six months in advance, with music being distributed electronically, then we meet and rehearse the whole work throughout the day, finishing with the free concert.”
Some musicians have done all four days, others only one. “We have played with more than 80 musicians in total so far,” says John.
“Symphony No. 6 is coming up in September at Selby Abbey with Symphonies No. 7, 8 and 9 planned over the next 18 months. We are always interested in hearing from new players, especially an extra bassoon and French horn, but we are not short of players.
“The problem we are having is finding venues big enough for us all to fit in but I think we are now sorted for the next three. Details are to be announced soon.”
The York Beethoven Project aims to use “local players in local venues” and hopes to continue after No. 9 with similar occasional days, two or three times a year, playing some more varied repertoire.
“By the time we performed the Eroica (No. 3) at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre last year, we were getting invitations to work with a number of venues and questions about what we will do next,” says John.
“To be honest, I’d not thought beyond No.9, as it was set up as part of my bucket list to complete a cycle I started at university 35 years ago. We’ve discussed the York Puccini Projector the York Sondheim Project, but I think we’ll just keep it open for now, complete the nine symphonies and see where we are in 2027.
Anyone interested in playing with the orchestra should email yorkbeethovenproject@gmail.com. Anyone wanting to attend Symphony No. 5 on June 28 should turn up at around 3.45pm.