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Beethoven's Ninth

The UNI School of Music brings Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 “Choral” to Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.

Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra conductor Dr. Rebecca Burkhardt is joined by UNI Combined Choirs and UNI faculty soloists to present Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 “Choral.” Faculty soloists include Michelle Monroe, soprano; Katherine Osborne, mezzo soprano; Jeff Brich, tenor; and John Hines, bass. The UNI Combined Choirs include Concert Chorale, the Varsity Men's Glee Club, and Cantorei, directed by Dr. John Wiles, and the UNI Singers and Women's Chorus directed by Dr. Amy Kotsonis. The Northern Iowa Symphony Orchestra is also joined by alumni.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is one of the most well-known pieces of music ever composed. The fourth and final movement calls for a full choir and vocal soloists. This final movement was inspired by Friedrich Schiller’s poem “An die Freude” (“Ode to Joy”). Ode to Joy has significance all around the world, with ties to World War I and World War II, Japan, Germany, and the brotherhood of humankind.

Dr. Burkhardt will conduct the orchestra and the over-200-member choir. She stresses how special this performance and collaboration is, saying that audience members may never have another opportunity to hear the symphony performed live in its entirety and at this magnitude. She also pointed out that this may be a once-in-a-lifetime performance for the musicians and the audience.

Dr. Burkhardt joined IPR to share insight into the project.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 “Choral” will be performed in the Great Hall of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2 p.m.

For more information on the upcoming performance and to buy tickets, visit http://www.gbpac.com/upcoming-events/e-929/symphony-no-9-choral-by-ludwig-van-beethoven.aspx.

Jacqueline Halbloom is a Sr. Music Producer and Classical Music Host