Susan Waterfall presents: Beethoven
Susan Waterfall’s biographical film on Ludwig van Beethoven provides the perfect prologue to this summer’s programming. The riveting story of western classical music’s greatest composer, and the turbulent period of history he inhabited, includes excerpts from 25 of his works, along with compelling contemporaneous art and images.
A Q&A will follow the screening.
Written and directed by Susan Waterfall.
Art and photograph collection by Mina Cohen.
Filmed and edited by Julian Pollack.
General Admission (not Reserved Seating.)
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2026 Featured Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Late 18th century Europe. A world in turmoil. A musical genius is born into circumstances that nourish his talent, but starve him emotionally. He has an innate, unwavering desire to cure suffering with music that expresses a more perfect world. More than 250 years later, we are drawn again to Beethoven’s phenomenal musical imagination, compassion, and charismatic vision to find meaning and inspiration. Immerse yourself in his world and his music, and understand how his music evolved over his lifetime, with a documentary film, narrated chamber recitals featuring exciting guest artists, and various other settings of Beethoven’s work across the Festival.
Waterfall’s productions always present exciting, absorbing playing of great music, but are also rare, distinctive examples of what can be called music education, though they’re more conversational, truly a sharing of perspective, interest, anecdote. There’s a sense of immediacy to her delivery, weaving in and out of the playing, an intimately conceived present awareness of this heritage. It’s something unique that needs to be experienced.” -Ken Bullock, Berkeley Daily Planet
Beethoven, Now!, curated by Susan Waterfall, includes her documentary film on his life and music, and performances of sixteen of his works spread over nine symphony and chamber concerts. Two narrated chamber concerts will each include four of his works; pianist Anthony Ratinov will perform Sonata No. 8 in C minor, the Pathétique; the Calder Quartet will perform his last completed major work, his String Quartet No. 16 in F Major; pianist Rachel Breen will perform his last three Sonatas, Op. 109, 110 and 111; and the Festival Orchestra will perform his 6th and 7th symphonies, closing the Festival with his iconic 9th Symphony.