Upcoming Events

A Theater for a Symphony

May 18, 2026 at 4pm
Beethoven Center, 5th Floor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, San Jose CA 95112

Join the Beethoven Center in a film screening of A Theater for a Symphony followed by a discussion with Professor Birgit Lodes (Vienna/Stanford). This film by director Barbara Weissenbeck returns to the site of the world premiere of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony: Vienna's historic Kärntnertortheater (demolished in 1873/74 and later replaced by the Hotel Sacher). The film documents the detective-style work of virtually recreating the theater by a team of architects, animators, and electroacousticians, and commentary by Birgit Lodes and other traces of the symphony's genesis and the chaotic leadup to the long awaited premiere on 7 May 1824.

The film is approximately 50 minutes followed by a reception and open-house until 6 pm.

All are welcome! Free entry, no registration required.