Musical Globe

What Would Beethoven Do?

Jonathan Keijser
Screening time  
02.03. / Thursday, 18:00 - 20:00 Theatre 1  
05.03. / Sunday, 16:00 - 18:00 Theatre 1  
The film makes a passionate and convincing case for the importance of classical music in a new age.

Classical music doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being hip. For too long it’s been seen as a stuffy genre for intellectuals. What Would Beethoven Do? follows a number of renegades, from composers flirting with modern mediums, to young musicians dedicated to changing the narrative, to a man who’s bringing turntablists and orchestras together. These innovative individuals are breaking the stereotypes, hoping to take classical music to a whole new audience. They’re also changing the face of the genre; the perception of classical music being performed only by old white men is no longer true. Spotlighting female composers and musicians from a wide variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds, this documentary captures the rise of an exciting revolution happening from within. With insight from such notable artists as Bobby McFerrin, Benjamin Zander, and Eric Whitacre, the film makes a passionate and convincing case for the importance of classical music in a new age. It will certainly appeal to fans of the genre. But more importantly, it’s bound to attract some new ones.

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Jonathan Keijser

Jonathan Keijser is a musician and filmmaker from Halifax, Canada. He studied classical double bass at McGill University's Schulich School of Music and later earned an M.F.A. from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. He is the co-President of Wire Walker Studios, a media company focused on creating high impact socially conscious content.

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What Would Beethoven Do?

USA
2016, 75'

Directed by:
Jonathan Keijser

Screenplay by:
Jonathan Keijser

Cinematography:
Arjun Kamath, Jonathan Keijser, Sabrina Skau

Edited by:
Jeffery Glaser, Jonathan Keijser

Producers:
Jonathan Keijser, Veronica An, Sabrina Skau, Daniel Beresh

Produced by:
Wire Walker Studios

Festivals & Awards:

Cleveland International Film Festival 2016 – Music Movies Competition – Best Film; Sound Unseen Film & Music Festival 2016; Chagrin Documentary Film Festival 2016; Nashville Film Festival 2016; Master of Art Film Festival 2016; Bellingham Music Film Festival 2016; Albuquerque Film & Music Experience 2016; Dances With Films Festival 2016; Port Townsend Film Festival 2016; Sapporo Short Fest 2016