The School of Music’s Choirs and Philharmonic Orchestra Will Perform the Iconic Work With Free Admission for the Public
On February 10, the BYU Philharmonic Orchestra and combined choirs will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the “Ode to Joy.” Under the direction of orchestra conductor Kory Katseanes and choral conductors Andrew Crane, Sonja Poulter and Brent Wells, the ensembles will present this iconic and rousing piece to the public for free at the Salt Lake Tabernacle at Temple Square.
Despite its beloved status, the symphony has not been performed by BYU ensembles in 30 years. “It is a major undertaking to mount the work,” said Katseanes, director of the BYU Philharmonic Orchestra, explaining that doing so requires a full orchestra, choir and soloists. “In addition, the technical challenges of the music continue to stretch the most competent performers even today, so the rarity of the performance alone is newsworthy.”
The School of Music has risen to the challenge of the material. By combining the BYU Singers, Concert Choir, Men’s Chorus and Women's Chorus, the directors have assembled a 450-member choir for the symphony. The featured soloists are BYU vocal performance faculty Jennifer Youngs, Diane Reich, Shea Owens and BYU alum Isaac Hurtado.
This unique event will also take place in a unique venue, the historic Tabernacle at Temple Square. “It’s a venue perfectly suited to the size of our performing group and its historic importance as a concert venue is a wonderful fit for the work,” said Katseanes.
“To experience Beethoven’s 9th symphony can be a life-changing experience. This is music that our world desperately needs and is more relevant than ever before,” said Katseanes.
For a night of unforgettable music in a resplendent venue, don’t miss Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the BYU Philharmonic and combined choirs!
Show Details
Performance Date and Time: Friday, February 10, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Salt Lake Tabernacle at Temple Square
Stream Online: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts/watch/byu-philharmonic-choirs/2023/02?lang=eng
Price: Free to the public