With 2 orchestras I’ll conduct all 9 Beethovens in a day

The German conductor Gabriel Feltz has two orchestras, in Dortmund and Belgrade.

This weekend and next he is conducting the complete Beethoven in a day.

(Er, why?)

Here’s the promo blurb:

1 conductor, 2 cities, 2 orchestras, 9 symphonies, more than 200 performers

The “Beethoven Marathon” – one of the biggest cultural events in the world in 2022, is the latest venture launched by the Belgrade Philharmonic and Chief Conductor Gabriel Feltz, together with the Dortmund Philharmonic, to be held in Dortmund (June 19) and Novi Sad (June 26) as part of the European Capital of Culture’s program called “Fortress of Peace.” One conductor, two European cities, two orchestras, 9 symphonies and a total of 10 concerts will culminate in a grand finale at a free open-air concert at the Petrovaradin Fortress with more than 200 performers.

The “Beethoven Marathon,” a unique event in the world of classical music, includes a rare performance of Beethoven’s symphonies performed alternately by the Belgrade and Dortmund philharmonic orchestras in one day, from morning to evening, under the direction of the joint chief conductor. Finally, in the famous Ode to Joy they will be joined by the Slovak Philharmonic Choir and vocal soloists Ana Malesza-Kutny, Michaela Selinger, Young Voo Kim, and Robert Bork.

“When I created this idea, my main motive was not an endurance competition in terms of who can play longer, but a unique mental and physical experience of the magnificent progress of Beethoven’s brilliant mind, from his first to his last symphony. In addition, we will convey to the audience a message of humanity, harmony, and joy in creating music by musicians of different nations. It is a huge contribution and very important gesture by us artists in these difficult times,” Chief Conductor Gabriel Feltz, the author of the “Beethoven Marathon” concept, said.