Since the beginning of time, there has always been something about music that has a way of moving us, physically, emotionally and even spiritually. We might console ourselves after a significant heartbreak with a selection of sad songs or pass the time while driving and listen to our favorite playlist. And of course, music makes us tap our feet while dancing to a hip-stirring party track. Beethoven, one of the most prominent figures in the history of music, once mused: “music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.” Luckily, there’s a festival in Germany where you can fully experience the joy, power, and wonder of classical music. Beethovenfest is for every kind of classical music aficionado – where traditionalists work alongside innovators to challenge the norms of performance, creating a musical experience to satisfy even the most discerning ear.  

Beethovenfest is an annual, month-long music festival in Bonn, Germany. The primary aim of the festival is to celebrate and pay homage to Ludwig van Beethoven’s profound mark on the music industry. Every year in August and September, people flock to this internationally recognized cultural occasion in Bonn to enjoy around 80 events at venues scattered across the city. The festival has a new theme each year. For instance, in the past Beethovenfest has focused on cultural diversity with its motto “All People” and in recent events, the festival has placed a spotlight on the climate crisis.  

Bonn is Beethoven’s birthplace. He was born in December 1770 into a family of musicians – developing from a child prodigy into an established maestro. The city of Bonn and the spirit of Beethoven are forever entwined, with many places bearing his name, such as Beethoven-Haus and Beethoven Hall, but also the Beethoven Hotel, the Beethoven Pharmacy, and the Beethoven Monument. To say the city is proud of its most famous son would be an understatement. Founded in 1845 by Franz Liszt, Beethovenfest has gradually become one of the oldest and most significant music festivals in Germany.  

Beethovenfest fully embraces and encourages audience participation, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of music making. Lectures and talks will be held at the festival headquarters in the Kreuzkirche, which is a social space where you can enjoy the food on offer. Audience members can also benefit from concert introductions with experts or artists, follow-up discussions after events, and live sessions of the festival podcast, bee.contemporary. Workshops are aimed at everyone, with varied and creative options for people to explore, such as a unique virtual reality orchestra experience and a symphonic flash mob.     

Beethoven’s music is the beating heart of the classical repertoire. The sounds of his symphonies have reverberated throughout the ages, leaving an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of many. Beethovenfest champions an incredible opportunity to indulge in a celebration of the finest classical music – tuning into this world-renowned festival in Germany is highly recommended.