Nebraska artist Dan Howard’s latest portrait honors one of the most influential composers of all time and a special Lied Center festival celebrating Ludwig van Beethoven.

Drawing inspiration from the festival, Beethoven’s illustrious career and countless contributions to classical music, Howard, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Art and Art History, accepted a challenge from Lied Center Executive Director Bill Stephan to create an original work honoring the life and work of Beethoven. Howard’s portrait of Beethoven will be displayed prominently at all Beethoven Festival events for patrons to enjoy.

The Lied Center, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra have partnered for a special campus-wide celebration honoring Beethoven. Recognized as the single most important musical figure of the early 19th century, Beethoven was a revolutionary and will long be remembered as the man who single-handedly created the transition from the Classical to the Romantic era and for his many other contributions to classical music during his lifetime and beyond.

Beethoven’s works are being featured throughout the Lied Center’s 25th anniversary season’s classical music performances. All of the Piano Series artists will showcase at least one solo piano work by Beethoven, and on Feb. 6, the Chicago Symphony has programmed Beethoven’s 5th Symphony (arguably the most famous piece of music in the world) as part of their debut performance at the Lied Center.

The season will conclude with the performance of his last symphony, the magnificent ninth - Ode to Joy, or “Choral Symphony” by Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra, invited chorus and soloists.

Remaining Beethoven Festival Events Include:

Jonathan Biss, Piano

Jan. 13 at 7:30 pm, Lied Center Main Stage

Sonata in f minor, Op 2 no. 1

Sonata in A major, Op. 101

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Feb. 6 at 7:30 pm, Lied Center Main Stage

Symphony No. 5 in C major, Op. 67

Clark Potter, Violin

Feb. 8 at 3 pm, Kimball Recital Hall

Nocturne for Viola and Piano, Op. 42

Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola, Op. 25

Variations on Mozart’s “La ci darem la mano” from Don Giovanni, WoO 28

Free and open to the public.

“Ode to Joy” Beethoven Masterworks

Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra featuring Jon Nakumatsu

April 25 at 7:30 pm, Lied Center Main Stage

Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor”

Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 (“the Choral”)