Paramount Presents Concerto: A Beethoven Journey This December
This October, Charlottesville’s Paramount theater detailed their reopening schedule, enforcing social distancing protocols and expanded hygienic solutions for increased safety. With many new theatrical events in the midst, Concerto: A Beethoven Journey presents itself as a promising ending to the year for classical music enthusiasts.
The Paramount holds true to its plans to open on Dec. 16, but with newer protocols than last year. To start, they have been operating three days a week and have been seating much fewer people, resulting in a 50 person cap for each show. Acknowledging the unlikeliness of a completely safe experience at the Paramount, they hold themselves true to a higher cleanliness standard than before. They are consistently cleaning seats, bathrooms, and other high contact areas throughout the Paramount.
With mask policies and social distancing guidelines, along with large theater halls with already spacious seating, it can be much less threatening than a traditional theater experience. Digital tickets are scanned through plexiglass screens as they employ more contactless methods.
As many events earlier in the year were cancelled due to COVID-19, the Concerto has been able to maintain its schedule due to the Paramount’s new safety measures. It is important to note that while this event occurs within the Paramount theater, it is not a live performance and is a movie screening. The movie was filmed over four years by director Phil Grabsky, who followed Leif Ove Andsnes, as he recites Beethoven’s five greatest pieces. Beethoven’s five piano concertos: the C major op. 15, the B flat op. 19, the C minor op. 37, the G major op. 58, and the “Emperor,” in E flat major op 73 are some of the most highly regarded pieces of classical piano among critics. As Andsnes traveled to many venues with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, he simultaneously learned more about the biography of Beethoven. This more recent perspective sheds light on the humanity of one of the most highly regarded classical composers of the 18th century.
The event begins and ends on Wednesday, Dec. 16, with two times starting at both 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. The show premieres at the Paramount on 215 E. Main St. in Charlottesville with prices varying, as students pay $11, seniors pay $13, and adults pay $15.
If you’re interested in attending, click here to view the Paramount’s webpage for the event.
