The artist is in

Even if you’re not a classical music devotee, chances are, you could probably hum a few bars of one of Beethoven’s most popular: from sweeping ovations ringing out during the holidays or the wacky antics of Bugs Bunny punctuated by his dramatic compositions, the legacy of Beethoven’s works remains constant in our cultural zeitgeist – a collective autobiography more than 200 years strong. 

For many musicians, mastering Beethoven’s piano sonatas is a rite of passage: a deep and intrinsic understanding of the compositions that comes with the experience and mastery of music. Each sonata offers a snapshot of where Beethoven was, both artistically and often personally, at a given moment, and together, they trace the distinct phases of his life, reflecting his journey through exploration, experimentation, and introspection. 

Master pianist Roman Rabinovich, Co-Artistic Director of ChamberFest West will be performing the sonatas across the world in 2027 to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of Beethoven’s legacy. But the journey begins in United’s communities, where Roman will preview the sonata cycles for residents before taking the concerts across North America and overseas. “Performing the sonatas in an informal, intimate setting changes the atmosphere: less formal, more direct and spontaneous,” says Roman. “The feedback is immediate, and it really deepens the connection I feel to the music and the audience.” 

Roman chose to partner with United to bring the sonatas into its communities following the company’s partnership with ChamberFest West in 2025.  “What attracted me to the United stage was the opportunity to step into a different kind of listening environment: meeting people where they are, and sharing music in that context, felt like a natural extension of the project’s intention. It resonates with something essential in Beethoven himself.” Roman continues, “Beethoven was, above all, a humanist. There is nothing distant or exclusive about his music — it speaks directly, often urgently. Bringing this work into a community setting feels, in a way, closer to his spirit than placing it on a pedestal.”

Jill LaForty, Music Director with United, shares her excitement of bringing these performances to residents. “I have known Roman for several years, through his work with ChamberFest West,” Jill says, “And when he approached me to preview the sonata cycles in our communities, we jumped at the chance. These pieces are sacred, and with the upcoming anniversary, it was an amazing opportunity to share these very special works. This series is the first time United has hosted an Artist in Residence across our communities, and we are thrilled to be a part of the celebration of Beethoven's legacy.” 

Eleanor, a resident at United’s Lake Bonavista Village community, has followed Roman’s career for several years: “I’ve been attending Chamberfest West since it started. I’ve seen Roman play many times.” Eleanor continues, “As a lifelong piano player and music enthusiast, I believe in the power of music and how it can create connections. I am looking forward to hearing Roman play these wonderful pieces. I think it will be a wonderful experience for the residents.” 

Over the course of the next several months, Roman will travel to all United communities, performing 11 concerts to share the sonatas with residents, offering a rare, up-close encounter with these iconic works — an experience seldom found outside concert halls.

Stay tuned as the series unfolds, and explore our program calendars to see when Roman will be performing, along with other exceptional experiences happening across our communities.

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