Beethoven’s First Symphony kicks off a New Nine-Year Cycle of Beethoven
by Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra
MANITOWOC, WI, March 19, 2026 – The Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra joyfully celebrates its 75th year by
starting a new nine-year cycle of Beethoven’s influential and superb symphonies. Over the next nine years, all
of Beethoven’s symphonies will be performed. One of the greatest contributions to music, Beethoven’s
symphonies have inspired centuries of art worldwide. Beethoven’s First Symphony is in the leadoff spot and
will rivet the audience.
The Manitowoc Symphony proudly presents Beloved (1 of 9): Beethoven & Bruch on Saturday, April 11, 2026
at 7:30pm at the glorious Capitol Civic Centre. In addition to playing Beethoven’s Symphony no.1 in C major,
op.21, the program will also include Mozart and Bruch.
Manitowoc native son, violinist Andrew Dunlap, returns to the Lakeshore to perform the daring, dazzling,
uber-emotive Bruch violin concerto in g minor. (The “g” stands for grandiose.) As a soloist, Andrew has
performed with both the Madison Symphony and Manitowoc Symphony Orchestras. In 2014, Andrew
premiered Emmy-Award winning composer Garth Neustadter’s Double Violin Concerto. He has also
performed multiple recitals on Wisconsin Public Radio. As a chamber musician, Andrew was invited to join
Madeline Island Chamber Music’s 2018-19 Quartet in Residence program, where he performed the works of
Hadyn and Britten across the Twin Cities. He has played in orchestras in the United States and Europe,
recently appearing as concertmaster of the Collegium Festival Orchestra in Pommersfelden, Germany.
Individual tickets are currently on sale for this performance. Discounted ticket options are available for those
ages 35 and under. Children ages 11 & under are free. To purchase tickets, visit
cccshows.org/events/beloved-1-of-9-beethoven-and-bruch
Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra is delighted to announce, Where Beethoven Meets Beer—a new
Beethoven-inspired collaboration with PetSkull Brewing Company—one that brings together great music,
great beer, and long-term artistic vision. The launch of “Light the Dynamite” happens Tuesday, March 31
beginning at 5:00 pm at PetSkull Brewing. The inaugural release is a Kölsch-style beer, a nod to a classic
European tradition with roots not far from Beethoven’s home—making it easy to imagine the composer
himself might have approved. Tickets are $10 per person in advance or at the door and include music from
Accordion player Jeff (Waltzmeister) Behrens, catered food from Pizza Garden, and always fun! Pints for
purchase at $8.00 and 6 packs are available for $16.00. Ludwig van Beethoven was famously fond of beer and
a regular presence in Viennese taverns, where legend has it he often jotted down musical ideas on scraps of
paper and napkins.
For more information please visit manitowocsymphony.org/beethoven-petskull-kolsch
ABOUT MSO: Manitowoc, Wisconsin is one of the smallest cities to have its own symphony orchestra. The
mission of the Manitowoc Symphony Orchestra Association is to promote the highest quality orchestral
music experiences available to patrons and musicians. Music’s true power is to move and unite people.
Hearing music is about discovering what connects us all—uncovering shared eternal truths. The MSO is
currently celebrating its 75th season. manitowocsymphony.org
CONTACT: Peggy Pitz, MSO Executive Director | 920-684-3492 or pwpitz@ameritech.net
manitowocsymphony.org