Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 stands among the most beautiful artistic achievements in human history.
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, "Choral," with its famous "Ode to Joy," the resounding finale celebrating life and fellowship, is a musical journey from darkness to light. More than 150 musicians, soloists and chorus members present it Thursday and Friday, March 18-19, and again March 21 at the Tucson Music Hall. The Thursday and Friday performances open at 8 p.m., the Sunday concert at 2 p.m.
Music Director and Conductor George Hanson will conduct the TSO in its first performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, "Choral" in five years. There are two additional opening works by Leonard Bernstein: "Chichester Psalms," and "Make Our Garden Grow" from Candide. The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, directed by Julian Ackerley, joins the TSO on Bernstein's elevating finale from Candide.
"The Bernstein pieces make a beautiful pairing with Beethoven," a TSO release said. "All three works share a common thought-provoking exploration of mankind's meaning on earth."
Completed in 1824, the ninth is Beethoven's final complete symphony and one of the best-known works of the Western classical repertoire. It is the first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony. Four top international vocal soloists — Alison Buchanan, soprano; Melissa Parks, mezzo-soprano; Michael Wade Lee, tenor; and Jeremy Milner, bass — will perform the work with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. They will be joined by the 76-voice TSO Chorus, directed by Bruce Chamberlain.
Tickets, $20 to $72, are available online at www.tucsonsymphony.org, at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Box Office located at 2175 N. Sixth Avenue or by phone at (520) 882-8585. TSO Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, "Choral"
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra, The TSO Chorus
With works by Leonard Bernstein, featuring the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus
Thursday and Friday, March 18-19, 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 21, 2 p.m.
The Tucson Music Hall
Tickets, $20 to $72, are available online at www.tucsonsymphony.org, at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Box Office located at 2175 N. Sixth Avenue or by phone at (520) 882-8585. TSO Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
