John O'Conor marks Beethoven's 250th with 2 special recital programs

In 2020, the world marks the 250th birthday of one of classical music’s singular artists, Ludwig van Beethoven. Born in 1770, the composer influenced the development of music in remarkable and definitive ways. From his early years in Bonn to his legendary achievements in Vienna, the musical center of 19th century Europe, Beethoven left an indelible mark that forever changed the landscape of classical music.

 John O'Conor shares the impact of Beethoven on his distinguished career:

I have been fascinated with Beethoven ever since I read the first biography of his life when I was about 16. He was so rude, so arrogant, so self-opinionated (everything I was taught by father NOT to be) ......... and so intriguing ! I didn't have any money to study abroad for some years but in that time I played almost all the Beethoven Violin and Cello Sonatas and even coached the Irish National Opera in a performance of Fidelio. When I eventually won an Austrian government scholarship to go to study in Vienna I was steeped in his music and was so lucky to be taken as a student by the great Dieter Weber who even looked like Beethoven. He coached me into winning 1st Prize in the International Beethoven Competition in 1973 and that summer introduced me to the wonderful Wilhelm Kempff who became such an influence on me. Thereafter I couldn't get enough of Beethoven and have recorded all the Concertos, all the Sonatas and all the Bagatelles.. Next year being the 250th anniversary of his birth will be a very special year for me too. As well as playing all 5 concertos I will be touring two special programs, the last three monumental sonatas Opp. 109, 110 and 111 and the other program will be what could be termed "Beethoven's Greatest Hits" - the Pathetique, Moonlight and Appassionata Sonatas. I am looking forward to a year of Beethoven with the greatest pleasure.