The Little Orchestra: Beethoven’s Crisis of Despair, Battersea Arts Centre

For The Little Orchestra, music is a social affair, a way for people from all backgrounds to come together in a convivial atmosphere and indulge in sound, sight and taste. They're here to shake up London's orchestral music scene by staging immersive musical experiences which offer people the chance to socialise, unwind, and even mingle with the players themselves. It's the perfect evening for seasoned classical music lovers as well as audiences looking to be introduced to the genre in a fresh and exciting way.

2020 marks 250 years since the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven and The Little Orchestra have concocted an intoxicating year-long programme to celebrate the German composer with performances in some of London's historic venues, including Porchester Hall and Alexandra Palace. Each event covers a different aspect of the composer's life with themes such as 'Childhood' and 'Early Years in Vienna', and will feature Beethoven's nine symphonies as well as two interludes exploring some of his works for solo piano and chamber groups.

Chapter two of The Little Orchestra's Beethoven 2020 Journey, Crisis of Despair, charts the great composer's loss of hearing – the event that threatened to steal the very thing that defined him as a man and artist. The concert is taking place at Battersea Arts Centre and true to the orchestra's style, will be a relaxed performance.

Events are all staged in venues specially decorated for the occasion. Audience members can enjoy a bespoke cocktail by Mix & Match or a bite to eat from their themed pop-up food menu created by leading chefs before settling down on a sofa, seat or cushion for the performance. The after party continues at the bar which will be open until just before midnight.