Spirit of the Season : O.C. Chamber Orchestra Throws a 223rd Birthday Bash for Ludwig Van Beethoven

Undeterred by the fact that their guest of honor has been deceased for more than 150 years, the Orange County Chamber Orchestra threw a birthday bash for Ludwig van Beethoven.

About 100 orchestra supporters turned up at the Promontory Point Clubhouse in Newport Beach to celebrate Beethoven’s 223rd birthday with German food, wine and--what else?--birthday cake. Last week’s $30-a-person holiday gala raised about $2,500 for the orchestra.

Happy Birthday, Ludwig

Beethoven’s birthday party has become a seven-year tradition for the orchestra. One reason for the annual soiree: It’s a way for orchestra buffs of all faiths to get together during the holiday season.

“Beethoven was very kind to have his birthday in December--right around Christmas and Hanukkah. That way we could have a holiday party” for everyone, said Barbara Palermo, event chairwoman. The composer was born Dec. 16, 1770, in Bonn, Germany.

“He’s always here in absentia,” she said.

Guests enjoyed a feast of sausages, sauerkraut, ham, cheeses, potato salad and, for dessert, croquembouche --creme puffs formed into the shape of small Christmas trees made by the German Home Bakery in Costa Mesa. When a birthday cake for Beethoven was brought out, orchestra conductor Micah Levy led the group in singing “Happy Birthday” to Ludwig.

Night Music

A dozen party-goers performed an impromptu skit written by Levy and George Margolin. Each thespian took the role of a famous composer attending Beethoven’s bash, with Levy playing Mozart and Margolin playing Beethoven. Sample line from Palermo, the maid: “Leave that bottle alone. That’s Beethoven’s fifth.”

No party for Beethoven would be complete without classical music. After guests arranged themselves around a fireplace, 14-year-old Grace Fong sat at a white piano and played Beethoven’s “Pathetique Sonata.”

“I’ve been playing for 11 years,” said the promising pianist, who said she practices two hours a day.

Among the guests were Betty Jardine, events chairwoman for the orchestra; Tish Braga, Linda Buckley, Ralph Burgess, Skip Freely, Barby Kollenda, RuthE Levy, Gil Marrero, George Meier and Tuck Rabbitt.