World-class orchestra to perform Beethoven’s Eroica
Published on 10 August 2022
A visceral musical experience is in store for Lake Macquarie when the internationally renowned Australian Haydn Ensemble performs Beethoven’s Eroica with an intimate orchestra this Saturday.
Australian Haydn Ensemble Artistic Director Skye McIntosh said just seven musicians would perform a stripped back version of the 18th Century symphony, which reflected common practice during Beethoven’s era.
“Nowadays, it’s common to see large orchestras with 70 musicians lead a big and theatrical performance of Beethoven’s Eroica,” Ms McIntosh said.
“Perfecting such an intense performance with just seven instruments is no easy feat.”
The seven-strong orchestra includes two violins, two violas, cello, bass and transverse keyless flute.
“People who are familiar with this piece will hear it in a completely different way – so much so that we’ve seen audience members leave in tears because of the raw emotion it carries,” Ms McIntosh said.
The ‘Eroica’ symphony stems from a profound crisis Beethoven experienced when his health problems and worsening deafness catapulted him into a deep depression which made him question his future in music.
The world-class Australian Haydn Ensemble, which have played on stages across the globe, will tour regional NSW performing Beethoven’s Eroica at eight different locations, with some already sold out.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the performance at Rathmines Theatre would be a raw and emotional experience for those who attend.
“It’s a real honour to be able to showcase the rich and extraordinary life of Beethoven through a traditional orchestra performance,” Ms Hemsley said.
“Lake Macquarie City Council is committed to helping the arts sector get back on track after COVID-19 all but silenced live performance for two years and it’s events like this that breathe new life into the sector and bring creatives, performers and audiences so much joy.”
The performance starts at 3pm at Rathmines Theatre and runs for two hours with a 20-minute interval.
Doors will open at 2:30pm with light snacks and drinks to be served in the courtyard from 1pm.
Beethoven’s Eroica is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Tickets for the performance at 3pm on Saturday 13 August can be purchased at lakemac.com.au.