Joy! Diablo Symphony Presents Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with San Ramon Valley and Campolindo High Concert Choirs

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 Zachary Gordin, Bass. Also featured are the award winning high school concert choirs of Danville’s San Ramon Valley High and Moraga’s Campolindo High.
 
The concert will also feature Beethoven’s Prometheus Overture and his Opferlied (“Song of Sacrifice”) with soloist Betany Coffland.
 
The Saturday February 8 and Sunday February 9 performances of this celebratory concert are under the direction of Matilda Hofman, music director and conductor of the Diablo Symphony.  Advance tickets are available at the Lesher Center box office, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 925-943-7469, or by visiting https://www.diablosymphony.org.  Adults, $35; Youth 13–17, $10; Children 12 and under, Free. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

Season Sponsors: John and Lorus Mosher, Patrick and Shirley Campbell Foundation