Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the greatest classical composers of all time. However, his works have long inspired musicians of other genres - including jazz. Especially the manifold expressive possibilities of a big band are perfectly suited for an exploration of Beethoven's oeuvre. The arranger Christian Elsässer has taken up this special challenge and has dealt intensively with Beethoven's work. The program includes symphony movements specially adapted for jazz orchestra, a canon, and excerpts from song cycles and sonatas. Of course, a homage to the famous 9th Symphony, premiered exactly 200 years ago, should not be missing either. Elsässer has also dealt with the subject of deafness in a composition of his own. "Big Band Beethoven" is a somewhat different, but thoroughly respectful bow to one of the most famous musicians in European music history.

The WDR Big Band's "Big Band Beethoven" concert will take place in place of the originally scheduled "Center Stage" program. Tickets already booked will remain valid for the new program.