Press Release: Maestro Wilkins Leads the Omaha Symphony in Triumphant All-Beethoven Program
The Orchestra Continues to Celebrate the Return of Live Music with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3
OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 19, 2020 — With his third symphony, Beethoven ushered in a brand new era of symphonic writing as the world changed around him—the Enlightenment swept in as revolutions in the United States and France created a backdrop of idealism. Given a new world of rapidly shifting ideals, structures of power, and artistic sensibilities, it is no wonder that Beethoven was bursting to break down the barriers around him with his “Eroica” symphony. Maestro Thomas Wilkins leads the Omaha Symphony’s performance of this iconic work at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Holland Performing Arts Center’s Peter Kiewit Concert Hall.
The cornerstone of Sunday’s program is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 – a work that fans of classical music will be familiar with and a stronghold in the symphonic canon. With his third symphony, Beethoven broke the familiar mold of his classical predecessors Mozart and Haydn and paved the way for the music of the early Romantics. Influenced by the changing political tides, Beethoven planned for his “Eroica” symphony to honor Napoleon, who was then seen as the defender of the French Revolution. After Napoleon declared himself Emperor in 1804, Beethoven quickly changed the dedication of the piece to his patron Prince Franz Joseph von Lobkowitz.
The program, All Beethoven, will also feature the overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, Beethoven’s only venture in the world of writing for the ballet. After being approached by renowned choreographer Salvatore Vignano, Beethoven wrote the score for the work based on the Greek legend, but only the overture continues to be a stronghold in the regular concert repertory.
The orchestra, pared down in number for social distancing but still full enough to perform Beethoven’s works in their full glory, returns to the stage once again to perform for patrons during uncertain times. After months of irregular life without music, members of the Omaha Symphony are thrilled to be returning to the stage to bring their community musical comfort. The symphony administration continues to work with our partners at Omaha Performing Arts to prioritize the safety of our musicians, patrons, staff, and community while celebrating the return of live music.
Program:
BEETHOVEN: Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, “Eroica,” Op. 55
Public Health:
Performances at the Holland Performing Arts Center feature physically distanced seating and will only be seated at a maximum of 30 percent capacity. Masks are required at indoor Omaha Symphony performances. The following changes have been implemented within the venue:
- Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitation - Electrostatic technology disinfecting large common areas, enhanced sanitizing of high touch surfaces with hospital grade disinfectant and hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue
- Heating and Cooling System – Upgrades to air handling units includes bipolar ionization filtering out viruses through ventilation
- Staff Precautions – Staff and volunteers are required to wear face masks and receive temperature checks. Anyone with a temperature above 100° or experiencing symptoms will not be permitted onsite.
- Touchless Experience - Faster and more efficient entry into the venues with touchless security checks, ticket scanning and cashless transactions
Find the most up-to-date public health information at omahasymphony.org/public-health.
Tickets for All Beethoven are $35. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.omahasymphony.org, through the Ticket Omaha app, or by calling Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606. Performance dates are subject to change. In the event of performance changes or cancellations, the Omaha Symphony will email ticket holders to inform them of new dates and ticketing options. Patrons with questions may email ticketomaha@o-pa.org. The Omaha Symphony also regularly posts performance updates at omahasymphony.org, along with the Omaha Symphony’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. Patrons can sign up for the latest updates at omahasymphony.org.
The Omaha Symphony is a non-profit organization that presents more than 100 live orchestral performances from September through June. In addition to Masterworks, Symphony Pops, Symphony Rocks, Movies, Symphony Joslyn, and Family series concerts, the Omaha Symphony’s nationally recognized education and community engagement programs touch the lives of more than 40,000 people each year. For tickets or information regarding the Omaha Symphony, call 402-345-0606 or visit omahasymphony.org. Programs, artists, dates, times, prices, and availability are subject to change.
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