Apr. 02 - 03, 2027

Beethoven Piano Concerto Marathon

An extraordinary two-concert journey through all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos, featuring Stewart Goodyear on piano and conducted by Mélisse Brunet, experience both performances for the full arc.

Showings

Friday, April 02
11:00 AM Runtime: 1.5 Hours
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Saturday, April 03
7:30 PM Runtime: 2 Hours
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Ludwig van Beethoven

Artists

Composers
Ludwig van Beethoven

Additional Info

Friday Program
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 2
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4

Saturday Program
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor”

This two-day concert event offers a rare opportunity to experience the complete cycle of Ludwig van Beethoven’s piano concertos. Performed across two concerts, the Piano Concerto Marathon invites audiences to hear how Beethoven transformed the relationship between soloist and orchestra, from youthful brilliance to monumental scale.

The Friday program features Piano Concertos Nos. 2 and 4, works that highlight lyricism, imagination, and expressive dialogue between piano and orchestra. These concertos reveal Beethoven experimenting with form and intimacy, allowing moments of reflection and surprise to unfold naturally in the live setting.

On Saturday, the journey continues with Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 3, and 5, culminating in the expansive “Emperor” Concerto. Together, these works showcase Beethoven’s growing confidence and ambition, moving from classical clarity toward the bold, heroic style that would redefine the concerto as a symphonic experience.

Pianist Stewart Goodyear brings clarity, stamina, experience and insight to this ambitious undertaking, while conductor Mélisse Brunet, Music Director of the Lexington Philharmonic and a leading voice in Kentucky’s musical life, guides the orchestra through the full emotional and stylistic range of the cycle.

Each concert stands on its own, but together they offer a deeper, more rewarding experience, revealing connections, contrasts, and progression that can only be fully appreciated by hearing the entire journey unfold live, across both days.

FAQs

What if I am late or need to leave early?

At most of our venues, if you arrive after the concert has begun, an usher will seat you at an appropriate time, such as during applause or intermission. At the Kentucky Center, monitors located in the lobby allow you to follow the performance while you wait.

How long is the concert?

Concert length varies, but we recommend planning for about two hours. Digital programs include the specific music run-time, which can give you a better idea of the concert length. Please note that music run-time only covers the pieces being performed and does not account for speaking between pieces, applause, etc.

What security can I expect?

At The Kentucky Center, Old Forester Paristown Hall, and The Louisville Palace, you will go through security checkpoints upon entry. Expect to pass through a metal detector, and note that all bags may be searched. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside. Check each venue's Visitors Guide for more details:

For events at outdoor or alternate venues, please check your email for "Know Before You Go" information, sent to the email of the ticket purchaser. For further questions, contact our Patron Services team at 502.587.8681.

What should I wear to the concert?

Come as yourself! There’s no dress code, so wear what makes you feel comfortable. You’ll see everything from business and cocktail attire to casual and creative styles.

Can I use my phone during the performance?

We ask all audience members to silence their phones before the performance begins. Photos and videos are prohibited, as light from screens can be distracting.

Are food and drink available?

Snacks and drinks are sometimes available for purchase before the concert and during intermission. Alcoholic beverages are available for guests 21+ with a valid ID. We recommend dining before the show; check out our interactive map for nearby hotels, restaurants, and parking options.

Where can I park?

Parking is available for purchase at all partner venues. For convenience, use our interactive map for parking recommendations as well as nearby hotels and restaurants.

What is a pre-concert talk?

Join us for free pre-concert talks before each Coffee and Classics Series concert, hosted by WUOL. These engaging talks often feature composers, conductors, or musicians from the program, who share fascinating details and insights about the music you're about to experience.

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Sponsors

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