Beethoven Orchestra of Bonn with Stefan Blunier, Conductor, and Louis Lortie, Pianist

The 2013 Great Performers Series concludes with the Beethoven Orchestra of Bonn, conducted by Stefan Blunier with pianist Louis Lortie on March 19. The Bonn Orchestra is considered a pillar of cultural life in Bonn and the surrounding region. The orchestra is the official orchestra of the Bonn Opera House, playing 115 concerts a year in addition to touring worldwide. Conductor Stefan Blunier was an established concert pianist before turning to conducting. Since 2008, he has been the music director of both the Bonn Orchestra and the Bonn Opera. Canadian pianist Louis Lortie made his debut at age 13 with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and attained international recognition by is mid-20s. He is especially renowned for his interpretations of Chopin, Ravel and Beethoven and has been described as "one of half a dozen pianists who is worth dropping everything to go and hear." (The Daily Telegraph, London.)