The 32 Piano Sonatas of
Ludwig van Beethoven
A Three-Season Journey through Beethoven’s Masterworks, performed by Camerata Pacifica Principal Pianist Gilles Vonsattel
Camerata Pacifica’s Principal Pianist, Gilles Vonsattel, undertakes one of the most profound artistic challenges in classical music: presenting the complete cycle of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas. Spanning three seasons, this exceptional project explores the evolution of Beethoven’s creative voice — from youthful brilliance to revolutionary complexity.
Join us as we journey through one of the most celebrated bodies of solo piano literature ever written.
UPCOMING DATES
2026
March
Sonata in C Minor, Op. 13, “Pathetique”
Sponsored by Albert & Lisa Cosand
Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 1, “Sonata quasi una fantasia”
Sponsored by Stanley & Judith Farrar
Sonata in A-flat Major, Op. 26
Sponsored by Joan Davidson in Memory of Lorna Hedges
Sonata in F Minor, Op. 57, “Appassionata”
Sponsored by David Dodson & Leslie Schoepf
Friday the 20th, 7 p.m. – Music Academy, Santa Barbara
Sunday the 22nd, 8 p.m. – Colburn School, Los Angeles
2026
April
Sonata in D Major, Op. 10, No. 3
Sponsored by Diane Boss
Sonata in F-sharp Major, Op. 78, “à Thérèse”
Sponsored by Marty Coffey
Sonata in A Major, Op. 101
Sponsored by David Robertson & Nancy Alex Furman
Friday the 10th, 7 p.m. – Music Academy, Santa Barbara
Sunday the 12th, 8 p.m. – Colburn School, Los Angeles
The 32 piano sonatas of Beethoven are more than a collection of works — they are a musical autobiography of a genius. From the early Haydn-influenced pieces to the transcendent “Hammerklavier” and Op. 111, this cycle charts the course of Beethoven’s life and artistic vision like no other.
THE ARTIST
Swiss-born American pianist Gilles Vonsattel is renowned for his insightful interpretations and masterful technique. A deeply thoughtful artist, he brings intellectual rigor and emotional nuance to everything he performs. A longtime favorite of Camerata Pacifica audiences, Vonsattel’s performances balance precision with daring expression.
WHY BEETHOVEN?
In 2019, Camerata Pacifica convened a panel of leading Beethoven scholars to explore the enduring relevance and complexity of Ludwig van Beethoven’s music. These conversations were recorded as part of our “Why Beethoven?” project.
Held at the Fé Bland Forum at Santa Barbara City College, the panel featured Derek Katz, James Donelan, and William Weber, and was moderated by Camerata Pacifica’s Artistic Director, Adrian Spence.
Through these discussions, we invite you to delve deeper into Beethoven’s world — his context, his influence, and the questions his music continues to raise today.
THANK YOU
Camerata Pacifica warmly thanks the generous individuals who have sponsored each of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas.
Your support makes this extraordinary artistic journey possible — one sonata at a time.
Bob Boghosian & Beth Gates-Warren
Diane Boss
Marty Coffey
Albert & Lisa Cosand
Joan Davidson
Joan Davidson in Memory of Lorna Hedges
David Dodson & Leslie Schoepf
Mary Tonetti Dorra in memory of Henry Dorra
Stanley & Judith Farrar
Richard & Luci Janssen
Miguel & Paula Levy
George T. & Susan Northrop
David Robertson & Nancy Alex Furman
Sandra Tillisch Svoboda
Betsey Tyler
Kimberley Valentine
Judith Vida-Spence in Memory of Stuart Spence
Lawrence Wallin & Kathy Scroggs
Robert Weinman