The 40 musicians of the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen make up what is perhaps Germany's most unusual orchestra. Together with artistic director Paavo Jaervi, this extraordinary ensemble has taken on the challenge of playing all nine Beethoven symphonies in four days at the Beethovenfest Bonn. They are not only world-class musicians but also shareholders in the company that runs the orchestra, so they bear the financial risk of all their projects. And they see their work as extending well beyond the final applause: they take their social responsibilities seriously, for instance by passing on their passion for music to students at a local school.The film focuses on star conductor Paavo Jaervi and several members of the orchestra. They convey their enthusiasm for music, and they deliver insights into the internal life of the orchestra. The film crew accompanied them closely in Bremen, Tallinn and Bonn, in rehearsals, concerts and behind the scenes. How was this former youth orchestra able to reach the very top of the classical music world? How do conductor and instrumentalists see Beethoven's masterpieces? How did the orchestra develop its unique sound? What is the message of Beethoven's music in the 21st century? How is the orchestra able to perform all nine symphonies at a consistently high level over four days? The music documentary 'The Beethoven Project' answers these questions - and many others - in 90 minutes. A conductor, an orchestra, Beethoven and his music.
