Diablo Symphony - Beethoven: Symphony No. 9

We celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a work that holds a unique place in the symphonic and choral canon: his Ninth Symphony, also known as his Choral Symphony. Join us on this remarkable journey in search of joy and unity, a journey that has resonated across countries and centuries. The musical setting of Schiller’s poem “Ode to Joy” in the final movement has become one of the most recognized melodies in all of Western music, while the text’s key line, as modified by the composer, celebrates the moment when “all men become brothers”. Almost completely deaf, Beethoven was onstage to indicate tempos throughout the premier performance and unaware of the audience’s reaction until coaxed to turn around: raised hands, with handkerchiefs and hats flying in the air, during 5 standing ovations! The orchestra will be joined by Bay Area soloists Carrie Hennessey, Soprano, Betany Coffland, Alto, Michael Jankosky, Tenor, and…