Roll over Beethoven - you're a symphony bobblehead

By Janelle Gelfand
Cincinnati Enquirer, September 7, 2005

For the first time in its 111-year history, the famed Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is selling a bobblehead - none other than Beethoven himself.

The limited edition, $15 model will be sold only to those who attend the season's opening weekend (Sept. 16-17) of Beethoven's Ninth at Music Hall.

And it's not just bobbleheads making news. The CSO is getting hip with temporary tattoos to be applied by volunteers in a Music Hall "tattoo parlor."

"We're trying to snap it up a bit and be edgier," says Carrie Krysanick, the symphony's director of public relations.

The Beethoven bobbleheads are for Beethoven's Ninth, the blockbuster choral symphony (with Cincinnati's May Festival Chorus) to be led by music director Paavo Järvi. It all ties into Krysanick's anything-but-staid opening night slogan: "Get Your Beethoven On!" - which is also the saying on said tattoos.

Just 50 Beethoven bobbleheads will be sold in the symphony's Music Hall gift shop during opening weekend.

Along with Beethoven bobbleheads, listeners will receive free "Get Your Beethoven On!" chocolates after the show. Also in the works: a "Get Your Beethoven On!" T-shirt.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra season opens 8 p.m. Sept. 16-17 in Music Hall. Tickets: $18.50-$76.75; $10 students. Information: (513) 381-3300 or www.cincinnatisymphony.org.

Sandye's Note: I don't know--is it just me? I'd really rather have a PAAVO bobblehead!