When Inon Barnatan joins the Princeton Symphony Orchestra tonight at 8:00, for a special radio broadcast of Beethoven’s Piano Concertos Nos. 3 & 5, it will commence The Classical Network’s annual celebration of this King of Composers.

December 16 marks the anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, in 1770. So as not to leave any concertos on the vine, Carl Hemmingsen and I will do what we can tomorrow, from about 3 to 6 p.m., to work through most of the remaining works for solo instrument(s) and orchestra.

Then on Monday, Beethoven’s actual natal day, we will hear all of the symphonies, in sequence, including a knockout performance of the Symphony No. 9.

All this will come your way with limited interruptions this year. No breaking in between movements or playing highlights from the major works – pure, unadulterated Beethoven, as the composer intended.

Of course, we hope that you will be moved to support it. We’ll be reminding you of our phone number in between the symphonies on Monday, hoping to take your calls. But you can also support us anytime by donating at our website, wwfm.org. You’ll find a nice array of incentives there when you head over to contribute.

In this season of giving, make a gift for “Ludwig van.” Beethoven is the beating heart of WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org. Thank you for your help in keeping great music on the air!