Masterworks Concert Features Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
More than 150 voices will join the Alma Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, considered one of the monumental great works of classical music.
“The famous ‘Ode to Joy’ theme in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is perhaps the most recognizable melody in the world,” says ASO Director Murray Gross. “As often as one hears this music, when the choir bursts forth with the chorus, it’s an amazingly powerful experience.”
The Alma College Choirs will join the ASO for the annual spring masterworks concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 10 and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 11 in the Remick Heritage Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and up, and free for Alma College staff, students and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. Call (989) 463-7304 for ticket information.
Alma Choir
Joining the student voices of the Glee Club, College Chorale and Alma Choir will be Alma College faculty who were invited to participate in the performance.
“With over 200 people on stage, it will be a glorious sound, a special experience for everyone,” says Gross.
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is part of the rotation of great classical works performed by the Alma choirs and ASO every spring. It previously was performed in 1993, the year the Remick Heritage Center opened, and again in 2000.
“It’s one of the most famous classical works of all time,” says Alma Choirs Director Will Nichols. “Everyone knows the melody. If I were to make a stranded-in-the-desert list of must-have musical works, the Ninth Symphony would be on my list with four or five others.”
The ASO performance culminates the orchestra’s 50th anniversary season, which was filled with many special events, including daytime children’s concerts for area schoolchildren, supported in part by a grant from the Pine River Arts Council. ASO alumni have been invited to the April 10th concert, which starts at the special time of 7 p.m.
Posted: Fri, April 2nd, 2010 at 9:57AM
