RiverArts® Presents – Beethoven’s Belated Birthday Bash

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY and IRVINGTON, NY: On April 30 at 7:00 PM [Part A] and May 1 at 3:00 PM [Part B], RiverArts® will present the complete works for cello and piano by Ludwig van Beethoven at Irvington Presbyterian Church. Cellist Peter Seidenberg and pianist Hui-Mei Lin will bring this sparkling repertoire vividly to life. These two concerts, originally scheduled for 2020 to coincide with Beethoven’s 250th birthday, were postponed due to the pandemic. We will now celebrate the 252nd year of his birth. 

From 1795 to 1816 Beethoven composed five sonatas and three sets of variations for cello and piano. Each piece unto itself is a beautiful gem, written with unusual compositional cleverness, defying norms of Classical Style. Taken as a whole, these pieces create an autobiographical arc exemplifying each one of Beethoven’s compositional periods. The two concerts encompass all these pieces, in chronological order, offering the listener an experience of the biographical span of Beethoven’s life.  

Part A jumps immediately into the world of Beethoven as a virtuosic star throughout Europe. Life is optimistic. Part B explores the heroic aspects of Beethoven’s compositions, he’s at the height of his artistic power. Then we delve into the deeply personal, almost diary-like compositions of his late period.  According to Seidenberg: “I am so excited to take you on this journey through Beethoven’s life and compositional evolution. You will hear not only his maturation as a composer but also his developing treatment of the partnership between cello and piano.” 

As appropriate for a Viennese birthday celebration, delectable delicacies will be offered at both concerts included for the price of your ticket. Let’s Party!! 

Details:  

Saturday April 30 at 7pm – Part A, Early works 

Sunday May 1 at 3pm – Part B, Late works 

Irvington Presbyterian Church 

25 North Broadway, Irvington, NY 

Tickets: $40 for Part A or Part B alone; $70 for both concerts  

Ticket link: www.riverarts.org/beethoven/

Further information: www.riverarts.org/event/beethoven-sat 

*Audience members must provide proof of vaccination at the door. Masks are required at indoor RiverArts events until further notice.  

About the Artists 

Peter Seidenberg [cello and Artistic Director] has played in major halls throughout the US, Europe and Asia, and served as principal cellist with the Century Orchestra of Osaka. He was a founding member of the critically acclaimed Elements Quartet which created groundbreaking commissioning projects of 30 composers. He is the cellist for the Oracle Trio, the Queen’s Chamber Band, and the New York Chamber Soloists. https://www.peterseidenberg.com/  

Hui-Mei Lin [piano], a native of Taiwan, made her New York solo debut at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as the winner of the Artists International Competition. She was described by the New York Times as “an excellent pianist throughout” and the Taiwan News as “a sensitive and powerful pianist.” She has appeared in solo programs at Alice Tully Hall, Caramoor Music Festival and other venues throughout the United States, as well as Italy, Canada and Taiwan. Her media broadcasts include solo performances at PBS (Maryland), WQXR (New York City) and Taiwan Television 

A graduate of the Hartt School of Music and the Juilliard School, Hui-Mei holds a DMA degree from the City University of New York. She has taught at SUNY Purchase, The King’s College and The Sacred Heart University in CT and is the Music Director at the Briarcliff Congregational Church. https://www.peterseidenberg.com/  

As a duo, Peter Seidenberg and Hui-Mei Lin have performed throughout the United States in concert halls and universities, including Merkin Concert Hall in NYC, Chicago Music Institute, and various tours in the US and Taiwan. 

About RiverArts Chamber Series 

Founded in 2016, the RiverArts Chamber Music Series under the Artistic Direction of Peter Seidenberg and producer Doug Coe, is devoted to bringing the finest Chamber Music, both classical and contemporary, to the Rivertowns. Seasons usually consist of three concerts, one being a benefit hosted by The Newington-Cropsey Foundation. 

About RiverArts 

RiverArts inspires the Rivertowns’ communities in lower Westchester County to come together through art. We are dedicated to connecting artists with audiences through exhibition, performance, conversation, and education. We believe in the power of art to express, transform, and bring joy to all in our community.    

RiverArts serves artists and arts lovers of all ages. Our signature programs include large, multi-village events like our Music Tour and Studio Tour, both free to the public. RiverArts offers a dynamic education program for students of music, art and dance. We host numerous conversations, concerts, and gatherings that invite audiences to engage directly with award-winning artists, writers, dancers, directors, and musicians. Importantly, we strive to make the arts a vital and accessible part of everyday life in our community.