GLOBAL ODE TO JOY
GLOBAL ODE TO JOY
BEETHOVEN’S 250th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - VIRTUAL GLOBAL EVENT
“December 16th, 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of legendary composer and pianist Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Internationally acclaimed Pop Artist Burton Morris, was selected to create the new contemporary artwork of Beethoven for the worldwide “Global Ode To Joy” 250th birthday virtual celebration.
Created in collaboration with YouTube and Google Arts & Culture, the project draws inspiration from the composer’s beloved “Ode to Joy” chorus and its uplifting message of joy and unity for humankind.
Burton’s bold and striking portrait of the iconic musician emphasizes the energy and power of Beethoven’s musical influence on today’s culture. Morris added his striking touches, mixing words and color shards in his painting to emphasize the titans global appeal.
There will be a signed and numbered limited edition print available for sale at www.Burtonmorriscollection.com with a portion of the proceeds going towards Music For Relief, a charitable organization benefitting out of work musicians. “ I am honored that my artwork of Beethoven can help those who have been affected at this critical time” says Morris.
Leading arts organizations of five continents have come together to launch the Global Ode To Joy. At a time when fear, isolation and division dominate so much of our world, this crowd-sourced video project invites us all, as an international community, to unite and celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday by flooding the digital sphere with positivity, hope and joy.
Global Ode to Joy is the brainchild of MacArthur Award-winning conductor Marin Alsop, a leading “ambassador for classical music in the 21st century” (Financial Times). The project was inspired in its new, digital incarnation by “All Together: A Global Ode To Joy,” the yearlong Beethoven celebration she designed in partnership with Carnegie Hall. This would have seen her lead ten orchestras at the leading venues of six continents, with each orchestral partner creating innovative programs to reimagine the idea of the “Ode to Joy” within its community.
When the pandemic struck, she found herself forced to cancel all but the first of these engagements. However, on seeing the trauma wrought by the worldwide health crisis and the subsequent social, political and economic fallout, she became all the more committed to her project’s essential mission. She explains:
“Beethoven was all about love and joy and celebrating the essence of what it is to be human and connected to one another. His optimism and his fundamental faith in humanity could not be more relevant this year. The Global Ode to Joy is about throwing the doors wide open and coming together to realize his dream of a united humanity through joy.”
Artist Burton Morris with the original acrylic on canvas painting of Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Signed Limited Edition print of 250
