Charlotte Symphony musicians to perform Beethoven simultaneously, while separated, with no conductor

On April 17 at 3 p.m. ET, musicians from North Carolina’s Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will perform the fifth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral”) at the same time, while isolated in their homes. For the performance, dubbed A Symphony A Part, musicians will not be able to hear each other, and there will be no conductor. They will perform their individual parts from wherever they are—a sidewalk or front porch, or indoors with the window open to the outdoors. In a press release, the orchestra noted that A Symphony A Part performances are intended to “demonstrate the musicians’ commitment and gratitude towards the Charlotte Symphony and their communities,” and that the fifth movement of Beethoven 6 was chosen because “it promises beauty and celebration after the storm.” Videos of the musicians’ individual performances will be posted on April 20 at asymphonyapart.com, #CSOatHome, and the orchestra’s Facebook page.