A couple times each month, the downstairs band hall of the Terry Center plays host to a new Jesuit club. The Beethoven Society is an organization created for connoisseurs of classical music and those who want to learn more about classical music.
The club currently consists of 15 members, but is open to anyone who wants to join.
Musical performers, proficient in a wide variety of instruments including piano, guitar, clarinet, drums, violin, cello, and flute, come together to perform for each other and discuss different composers. The meetings usually consist of a solo or group performance followed by a discussion of the song and composer or an occasional guest speaker.
Mr. Donovan Putnam, the Beethoven Society moderator, said that the clubs mission is to “support and promote student interest and allow performance opportunities.” The name of the society attempts to encompass the spirit of classical music by choosing an iconic composer to represent this new Jesuit club.
Ivan Gan ’13, the club’s president, said that he hopes people can “discover what most people overlook,” and that he wants to “reintroduce classical music for those to appreciate.” As most of the Jesuit community knows, Ivan is a very talented piano player. He started playing piano eleven years ago and practices diligently, usually three hours a day. Gan plays for his local church, the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Attached to this article is a sample of Ivan’s playing.
For all those interested in appreciating classical music or performing music in front of peers, talk to Ivan Gan or Mr. Putnam about joining the Beethoven society and check out their club page on Moodle.
Listen to President Ivan Gan play Franz Liszt’s Sonetto 104:
