BEETHOVEN’S 9 TH SYMPHONY

Known as The Choral, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 is the composer’s last full symphony. Completed in 1824, this majestic symphony is one of the most admired works in classical music. A complex, powerful and commanding work, the symphony is visionary in scope and represents the apogee of technical difficulty at the time of its creation. It is almost universally recognised as Beethoven’s best work, and many consider this epic symphony to be one of the greatest compositions in the Western Music tradition. A work of genius, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony is understood as representing an important stylistic bridge between the Classical and Romantic periods in the history of Western Music. In four movements, the Symphony is remarkable especially for the final movement which includes a full chorus singing Freidrich Schiller’s souring poem, “Ode to Joy”. Joining the chorus are four superb soloists: soprano Aga Mikolaj, mezzo-soprano Elena Manistina, tenor Brandon Jovanovich and bass Paul Gay. This magnificent choral work was adopted as the official anthem of the European Union. Beethoven’s epic 9th Symphony is performed under the baton of the renowned conductor, James Conlon.