Everyone in Erie should have the opportunity to hear the works of Beethoven live at least once in their lifetimes.

With this vision statement, the Erie Philharmonic is proud to continue our Beethoven 4/4 Festival. 

This four-year initiative, leading up to the composer's 250th birthday in 2020, will feature free performances, master works, world-renowned soloists, outreach events and more. 

Woven into the fabric of each season, this festival puts the Philharmonic front and center, presenting once-in-a-lifetime concerts and events for audiences of all ages from the Erie region.  

Cocktail Shake Off

Celebrate the fourth and final season of the Erie Philharmonic Beethoven 4/4 Festival by enjoying and voting for your favorite Five & 20 Aged Genever cocktail from the following participating bars and restaurants. 

Competition ends April 5, 2020, at 11:59 pm EST.

PARTICIPATING BARS & RESTAURANTS

Molly Brannigan’s (506 State Street, Erie)

“Five & 20 Overture” created by Ryan Blair
Five & 20 Aged Genever, amaretto,coffee moonshine, ginger beer, maple syrup,garnished with candied ginger

 The Brewerie At Union Station (123 W 14th Street, Erie)

“Ginger Beer Twist” created by Mona Roiz
Five & 20 Aged Genever, ginger beer,Cointreau, and a twist of lemon

 1201 Kitchen (1201 State Street, Erie)

“The OP” created by Dan Kern
Five & 20 Aged Genever, orange liqueur,
fresh grapefruit juice, orange blossom honey syrup, 
garnished with juniper

Room 33 (1033 State Street, Erie)

“Smoke House” created by Shawn McCall
Five & 20 Aged Genever, mescal,orange syrup, orange bitters, 
and smoked Luxardo cherries

2019-20 Festival Events

October 5, 2019 – Shostakovich 5

• Performance of Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto by pianist Andrew Tyson

Single tickets on sale August 12

November 16, 2019 – Pines of Rome

• Performance of Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3

Single tickets on sale August 12

April 4, 2020 – Beethoven’s Ode to Joy

• Performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, “Ode to Joy” with the Erie Philharmonic Chorus and guest soloists

Single tickets on sale August 12

April 4, 2020 – Beethoven 4/4 Gala

• Reception before the final concert of Beethoven Festival!

• More details to follow

June 20, 2020 – Beethoven Street Fair, 5K and 1M Walk

• Free concert in Perry Square featuring Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony

• Beat Beethoven 5K and 1 mile walk

• Local arts and health organizations, vendors and food trucks will again line the square

Mazza Partnership

We are proud to be partnering with Mazza Vineyards and Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing for our Beethoven 4/4 Festival. 

Each year we will feature one signature drink in celebration of Beethoven’s journey from young composer to larger-than-life icon.

The fourth and final year of our Beethoven 4/4 festival will feature an Aged Genever, crafted to highlight the fresh botanical flavors and aromas of juniper, citrus and spices. This spirit is then aged in whiskey barrels to bring out caramel and vanilla notes from the malt whiskey used as a base, to be released soon.

The third year of our Beethoven 4/4 festival featured a wine produced from the Grüner Veltliner grape, native to Austria. Though Beethoven was German-born, he studied composition and lived all of his adult life in Austria. Celebrate the composer with this award-winning wine known for its explosive fruit palate, a bright aroma and color.

The second year of our Beethoven 4/4 Festival (2017-18) featured a genever.  Genever is a traditional spirit produced in Holland and the surrounding areas since the 16th century, and is the older and more complex precursor to Dutch gin.  Rich, sweet flavors come from the malt-based spirit, produced in the old style, with accents from the juniper and herbs.

The first year of our Beethoven 4/4 Festival (2016-17) featured a beer inspired by Beethoven’s birthplace – Cologne. This Kölsch Ale was available in 750 mL commemorative bottles (at Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing in Westfield, NY) as well as on tap at various restaurants across the city. 

Click here to learn more:  enjoymazza.com and Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing.

2019-20 Beethoven 4/4 Festival Repertoire

October 5 - Piano Concerto No. 1

November 16 - Leonore Overture No. 3

April 4 - Symphony No. 9, “Ode to joy”