The Bridgetower Project

In August 2021 the Beethoven-Haus Bonn has launched a new series dedicated to the current debates on racism and colonialism. These extend increasingly into the field of classical music. Criticism is directed at structural discrimination on various levels: ranging from the dominance of certain male composers, to exclusionary processes and institutions, as well as stereotypical role models in the world of classical music.

This series is entitled "The Bridgetower Project". It is named after George Polgreen Bridgetower, a Black violinist and composer who together with Ludwig van Beethoven premiered the latter’s 9th Violin Sonata in 1803. As Beethoven-Haus President Daniel Hope explains: “I have been fascinated by the virtuoso Bridgetower has been fascinating me for many years. I am eager to learn more about him. With this in mind, I should like to begin our series with a concert-lecture that focuses on the relationship between Bridgetower and Beethoven. However, our series at the Beethoven-Haus goes beyond mere history. For me, Bridgetower represents the diversity of personalities who have impacted European music history. Beethoven believed passionately in a free and open society.”

The series of events illustrates the topic of structural discrimination in music history and music business from various angles. In the previous events the following guests were expected: Naika Foroutan, Director of the Berlin Institute for Integration and Migration Research, 'Kammersängerin' Grace-Melzia Bumbry, musicologist Melanie Unseld, Rolf Sachsse, a specialist in the history of design, and africanist Marianne Bechhaus-Gerst. Furthermore, Jake Heggie (*1961) from Los Angeles has been commissioned to write a composition inspired by Beethoven's and Bridgetower's relationship that was premiered by Daniel Hope at the BTHVN WEEK 2022.

"We intend to reflect more on diversity and discrimination in our work," says Beethoven-House Director Malte Boecker. "This implies an adequate discussion about the listed property 'Haus im Mohren' that is part of the Beethoven-Haus ensemble."

The event series is part of a Culture of Remembrance project in the city of Bonn and is generously supported by the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media. A co-operation with the Beethovenfest 2022 is being planned.

Previous events
Video recordings of some events
Article by Malte Boecker