2020 marks the 250 anniversary of the every popular Ludwig Van Beethoven and the year has already offered up a wealth of musical celebrations.

Last Friday, one of Ballarat's most distinguished musical sons Ben Northey was celebrated with a standing ovation after his thrilling performance conducting Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in the Hamer Hall.

The daring season opening gala combined the much-loved final symphony with an athletic dance performance by Circa along with a world premiere of a work by Deborah Cheetham. The unusual approach was met with an ecstatic response from the audience.

Another famous former Ballaratian, Mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Dark also played a key part in the uplifting final movement, Beethoven's universally celebrated 'Ode to Joy'.

For those who may have missed the gala night in Melbourne, there is plenty more Beethoven to come including some great local performances.

The Ballarat Symphony Orchestra will perform a Beethoven 250th Anniversary Concert in the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts on Sunday March the 22nd at 2.30pm.

The programme will include the Fidelio Overture, the Fifth Symphony and the Third Piano Concerto in what is a special year for one of the greatest composers of classical music.

Music lovers also have a feast of other fine music coming up in March.

"Les Miserables" is underway at Her Majesty's Theatre until March the 8th. Another musical drama is "Opera in the Goldfields", presented by Cordelia's Potted Operas, at Craig's Royal Hotel on Saturday 14th of March at 2pm (Trybooking.com or 0425 853 071).

On Sunday 15th of March Latitude 37 will perform "The Apotheosis of Corelli" in the Art Gallery of Ballarat at 4pm. Latitude 37 , well-known to Ballarat audiences, are at the forefront of early chamber groups in Australia today.