UCT Summer School 2027

Marking the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s death in 2027, this lecture-recital explores the musical influences that shaped his genius. As a young pianist, Beethoven studied Johann Sebastian Bach’s Das Wohltemperierte Klavier, whose 48 preludes and fugues provided technical training and compositional inspiration. Bach’s influence became increasingly evident in Beethoven’s later works. Presented by Grant McLachlan, the event brings this musical connection vividly to life through discussion and performance, featuring some of Cape Town’s leading musicians performing works by Bach and Beethoven and celebrating their enduring artistic legacy.