The Beethoven Bicentennial Fund

Celebrate Beethoven's Legacy and Shape the Future of Classical Music

The International Beethoven Project (IBP) is a Chicago-based non-profit on a mission to revolutionize the world of classical music. We're passionate about celebrating Beethoven's extraordinary music and humanist legacy, exploring new ways to present and perform classical music, and showcasing the most creative musical geniuses of past and present.

Through groundbreaking recordings, captivating music films, and countless innovative events, we've already made a significant impact on the classical music world since our founding in 2008. As we approach Beethoven's bicentennial year in 2027, we're embarking on even more ambitious projects, including an immersive multimedia and live performance journey through Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas, and the organization of a groundbreaking international conference and festival on both sides of the Atlantic, to address the role and future of classical music for the next one hundred years, which will deliver essential content for all musicians and institutions to benefit from, addressing social, financial, technological and creative challenges the industry is facing.

Most of the work we are doing now will only become visible to the public beginning in the second part of 2025. However, financial support is key to our production and preparation needs.

Your support is indeed crucial to our success! By donating to the Beethoven Bicentennial Fund, you'll help us continue to inspire a new generation of music lovers, performers, and arts leaders. Join us in shaping the future of classical music for generations to come.

Together, we can ensure that Beethoven's legacy continues to thrive and inspire.

The Beethoven Bicentennial Fund will support:

• An immersive multimedia journey through Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas: This project will include recordings, films, documentary episodes for social media, contemporary interpretations and reinterpretations, readings and reinterpretations of Beethoven's letters, and visual art. The project will be shared globally and brought directly to people and schools worldwide.
• An international conference on the role and future of classical music.
• Collaborations with other organizations to cross-pollinate ideas, including the Beethoven-Haus Museum and Archive Center in Bonn, Germany.

These projects aim to celebrate Beethoven's legacy, explore new ways to present and perform classical music, and inspire a new generation of music lovers, performers, and arts leaders.

Our goal by the end of 2024 is to raise $50,000.

We are counting on your generosity to help make this happen.

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🎼 The Beethoven Bicentennial Fund: Donor Levels & Benefits 🎼

Celebrate Beethoven's Legacy and Shape the Future of Classical Music

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1. 🎵 Eroica Supporter ($150+)

Named after Beethoven's revolutionary 3rd Symphony, "Eroica"

• Personalized thank-you email
• Your name listed on the donor page of our website

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2. 🎶 Fidelio Contributor ($500+)

Inspired by Beethoven's only opera, a story of resilience and freedom

• All Eroica Supporter benefits
• Access to an evolving Beethoven Playlist curated by George Lepauw
• Early access to project updates via a special donor newsletter

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3. 🎻 Moonlight Champion ($1,000+)

Evoking the beauty and emotional depth of the "Moonlight Sonata"

• All Fidelio Contributor benefits
• Access to a behind-the-scenes virtual event or documentary sneak peek
• Exclusive digital download of a private recording from the Beethoven Festival

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4. 🎹 Pathétique Rebel ($3,000+)

Named after one of his most famous piano revolutionary sonatas, "Sonata Pathétique"

• All Moonlight Champion benefits
• Invitation to an exclusive donor appreciation concert in person or online
• Limited-edition Beethoven Bicentennial Mug (available Spring 2025)

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5. 🎼 Appassionata Benefactor ($5,000+)

Honoring the intensity of the "Appassionata Sonata"

• All Pathétique Rebel benefits
• Limited-edition Beethoven Bicentennial T-Shirt (available Spring 2025)
• A personalized audio performance of a Beethoven work performed by George Lepauw

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6. 🎻 Ode to Joy Vanguard ($10,000+)

Celebrating the universal spirit of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony finale

• All Appassionata Benefactor benefits
• 4 VIP access tickets to our international conference and festival (in-person or online)
• Invitation to an intimate virtual performance with live commentary from the artists

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7. 🌍 Immortal Beloved Visionary ($15,000+)

Referencing Beethoven’s famous unsent love letter, symbolizing passion and legacy

• All Ode to Joy Vanguard benefits
• Private webinar session with project leaders on legacy and future plans
• A beautiful pack of thank you cards featuring inspiring Beethoven quotes

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8. 🏛️ Heiligenstadt Founder ($25,000+)

A nod to Beethoven’s pivotal "Heiligenstadt Testament," representing triumph over adversity

• All Immortal Beloved Visionary benefits
• Invitation to a private dinner prepared by the artistic leadership team
• Recognition as a founding sponsor in our printed and digital project materials

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT