Beethoven in Newport

Last night, the Jane Pickens Theater played a film named 'In Search of Beethoven'. This biography follows the life of Ludwig von Beethoven, the famous composer known the world round. Starting out in childhood up until his death, the film not only was an excellent account of his life and love affairs, but of his art transformation within the man. At this, I'll stop as this is a movie you should see to truely appreciate.

The reason why I loved it was it was at the Jane Pickens Theater (a lovely old theater that sits in the town square of Newport that is gushing with charm) as well as it was a fubdraiser for the Newport Music Festival led by (uncle) Mark and Joanie Malkovich.

If you have never been to the Newport Music Festival, you really must mark your calendars now. Imagine yourself sitting in a mansion ballroom. You are wearing your fine summer outfit (You know the one you slip on once a year and when you do, you think, "Why don't it wear this more often?"). The ballroom is decorated with real, red roses. A stage, as the focal point in the center, quite literally just several feet in front of you and your signifigant other. To your right, 17 foot doorways that open to a cascade of green grass the plummets into the ocean at Cliff Walk. You are rubbing elbows with the most fascinating people you'll meet all social season, but you don't know it because, right now, you and they are there to witness an historic event of musical proportions. (Do you feel like a Victorian yet?)

A door opens. Everyone holds their breath. Out steps a world talent, quietly stepping on stage without a single word. And then the musical experience begins unmatched by any other Classical performance you've ever heard or seen. Experience the music as it was supposed to be heard- in small intimate settings in private homes and mansions. Listen to Classical masterpieces from Mozart and Beethoven but also from many lesser known composers, whose works have been long lost or overshadowed by more mainstream artists. The muscians are hand picked by Mark every year from far away lands and invited to the center of society, Newport, for three weeks in July where they perform up to four concerts a day, everyday. Joanie, who is the most gentle woman on Earth, manages the event but also takes care of the musicans from breakfast and dinner to late night practice in her livingroom. (Absolutely she is the backbone in this international project.)

Ahhh, I digress! But you will see how easy it is to get swept away by this amazing event. We host a muscian every year. Who knows who you will be eating breakfast with at the Architects Inn!

Thanks for listening.

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Location:Jane Pickens, Newport RI