Cape Ann Symphony - The Glory of Beethoven

Kids 12 and under are FREE as Cape Ann Symphony presents 'The Glory of Beethoven' with pianist Charles Floyd! The centerpiece of the program is Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, with its quiet solo piano opening which then blossoms into magnificent, emotional orchestral exuberance. Charles Floyd, regular conductor of the Boston Pops Gospel Night, is the piano soloist for this witty, soulful, wonderful piece.

The Prometheus Overture was written for a heroic-allegorical ballet called The Creatures of Prometheus. Like a miniature symphony, the overture explores several moods and themes on its way to a stirring close.

The program ends with Beethoven’s great Symphony Number 8 — less iconic than his Symphony Number 9, but no less splendid. Like Beethoven’s other even-numbered symphonies, this one is less about the challenges of life and more about its joys, filled with beautiful melodies, charming interplay between instruments, delicate gestures and strong, sweeping musical landscapes.

Program:

Charles Floyd, piano

Born in Chicago, conductor, pianist and composer Charles Floyd began studying piano at age four, gave his first solo recital at age nine, and by age twenty had been heard in solo recital, chamber music and concerto performances throughout the United States and Spain.