York Beethoven Project - Selby Abbey

Selby Abbey are pleased to be Hosting the 6th event in the YORK BEETHOVEN PROJECT on Saturday 27th September 2025 The event is part of a 4 year project which will see the Orchestra play all the Beethoven Symphonies in Local Venues culminating with a performance of the Epic 9th Symphony (Choral) also at Selby Abbey in Spring 2027 which will be the Bi-centenary of Beethoven’s Death. There are 60 Local musicians expected to take part throughout the Day. Anyone interested in playing with us can email yorkbeethovenproject @gmail.com As with previous events the work will be an Open Rehearsed throughout the day with a complete performance at 4pm.

Symphony No6 op80 in Bb (Pastoral) was completed in 1808 and dedicated to Beethoven’s Friend & Patron Prince Lobkowitz Count Razumovsky . It is one of Beethoven’s few works containing explicitly programmatic content reflecting Beethoven’s love of the countryside around Vienna where he was know to regularly go on very long walks searching for inspiration whilst battling his developing Hearing loss.

The symphony was first performed alongside his fifth symphony in Vienna on 22 December 1808 in a 4 Hour Concert, we aim to Perform it from 4pm in around 45minutes. As with previous events the work will be rehearsed and played in a Day. There are 64 Local musicians booked in to spend the Day playing through the work with an informal and FREE performance open to all at 4pm. Selby Abbey will be open as normal during the day from 10:00 am onwards. Please take time to sit and listen to the rehearsals at any time and please come along to the actual performance from 4:00pm.