Beethoven comes to Gallaudet

By Mary Thornley

Wayne Bethanis

The life of Ludwig van Beethoven will be traced in a riveting multimedia performance by Wayne Bethanis in Elstad Auditorium at Gallaudet University on October 15 at 7:30 p.m. A video wall will provide a camera shot of Bethanis’ face and hands, a music scroll of the actual notes being played, a light pulse keeping time with the music, and a vibrational system for each audience member to kinesthetically experience Bethanis and Beethoven.

"We have never had an event like this," noted Gallaudet Theatre Department Chair Jeffrey Grandel. "We’re looking forward to having Bethanis on campus."

Bethanis said the idea of performing Beethoven at Gallaudet occurred to him while playing for his paternal grandmother. "My grandmother sat in a chair a few feet from where I practiced piano for hours every day of my childhood. She could not hear very well but she took delight in the music and my passion for music."

Bethanis is the youngest person ever to have been granted a Ph.D. in music by the prestigious Claremont Graduate School in Los Angeles. His world-wide virtuoso tour begins with the Gallaudet performance, which is expected to be televised. The production is being filmed and submitted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the documentary category for Oscar consideration.

Bethanis’ concert performances are being scheduled for Asia, Europe, and South America, followed by an extensive U.S. tour. Tickets for the Gallaudet performance at Elstad Auditorium are free but must be reserved by contacting Jo Rackham at the Theatre Arts Department x5501 (Voice) or x5502 (TTY). Seating is limited.