The Santa Barbara Beethovenfest was inaugurated in December, 2003, under the leadership of Dr. Allen Bishop, then President of the Santa Barbara Music Club. The Mission of the Festival is to foster a deeper appreciation of the life and music of the Master. In that light the festival sponsors concerts in connection with Beethoven’s birthday. In addition, lectures and exhibits of Beethoven memorabilia complement the musical offerings. Originally scheduled as part of the Music Club's Faulkner Gallery Concert Series, the concerts were later conducted at the 17th-century El Presidio Chapel in downtown Santa Barbara. In 2007 the Beethovenfest moved to the historic Marjorie Luke Theatre. Concerts are now co-sponsored by the Ira Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies.
The musicians are a blend of professionals and accomplished amateurs. Beginning in 2005, the Festival began to present the First Prize Winner of the Young Pianist’s Beethoven Competition in the Gala Saturday Evening concert. Dr. William Meredith has been a major contributor to the last two festivals, presenting stimulating talks for a general audience and pre-concert talks for the two musical events.
In June of 2006 the Beethovenfest presented a Master Class with master violinist Ruggiero Ricci. Musicians performing in the 2006 Beethovenfest participated, together with other local artists. And in December 2007, world-renowned cellist Christina Walevska was the featured artist for the Fifth Annual Beethovenfest.
In 2006 the Beethovenfest was incorporated as a tax-deductible 501C corporation. The festival engages in various fund-raising events to support the presentation of stellar artists as well as underwriting a new piano competition planned to commence in 2008. Proceeds from the December 7, 2007 Beethovenfest concert benefited the Santa Barbara Music Club.
| Eroica Circle | $1000 or more |
| Beethoven Benefactor | $500-$999 |
| Concerto Circle | $250-$499 |
| Festival Friend | $100-$249 |
| Supporter | $1-$99 |
To make a donation the Santa Barbara Beethovenfest, send cash or a check, made payable to "Santa Barbara Beethovenfest," to the address below. Be sure to include your name and address so we can reply with a letter acknowledging your contribution.
Santa Barbara Beethovenfest
1100 Mesa Road
Montecito, CA 93108