The next concert in the series Intimate Letters will feature the work of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Beethoven’s letters offer a unique opportunity to study the man in relation to his times, while his music reflects the fact that he was clearly affected by events during his life He did not suddenly decide to write a work and dedicate it to Napoleon, nor did he suddenly think the Schiller Ode to Joy would be a fine poem to set to music; his work was the outcome of strong sympathy with an ideology or an ardent desire for peace.

Beethoven had to somehow come to terms with the worst ailment that can befall a musician – deafness! He was labelled malignant, stubborn, cynical and arrogant, but his letters offer a true reflection of his feelings.

The programme for the second concert, dedicated to Beethoven, includes the String Trio in E flat major Op. 3 and the String Quartet no 13 in B flat major Op. 130 performed by the ProMuzika ensemble, consisting of Sarah Spiteri (violin), Roberta Attard (violin), Stephen Galea (viola) and Angelica Galea (cello).

The concert is to be held in the ballroom of the Auberge D’Aragon (Justice and Home Affairs Ministry), Independence Square, Valletta on Tuesday, 1 November at 8pm.

Tickets at Lm5 and Lm3 (concession) can be booked from the St James Cavalier box office on 2122-3200 or email: [email protected]