University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9 in D Minor

The University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra (USO), combined University choirs and special guest soloists, culminate the 2016-17 concert season with a gala presentation of Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9 in D minor. The 250 plus musicians take the stage for two performances: Saturday, May 27 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 28 at 3 p.m. on the UChicago campus.

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is generally considered one of the greatest achievements in the western musical canon. The powerful setting of its choral finale has been utilized in recent history both as a protest anthem and as a celebration of music – from the Chilean demonstrations against the Pinochet dictatorship, the Chinese student broadcast at Tiananmen Square, Leonard Bernstein’s performance after the fall of the Berlin Wall, to charity performances following the 2011 tsunami in Japan.

Beethoven’s so-called “Choral Symphony” is scored for a large orchestra with standard woodwind and brass sections, plus four percussionists and a full string section. The final movement features four vocal soloists and full choir with lyrics that incorporate a hybrid version of Friedrich Schiller’s 1785 “Ode to Joy.” Symphony No. 9 was the first example of a major composer using vocal forces within a symphony.

The USO collaborates with the University’s combined choirs for the final concert of each season. The University Chorus, Motet Choir, and the Women’s Ensemble, co-directed by James Kallembach and Mollie Stone, include UChicago students, staff, faculty and community members.

Four acclaimed Chicago soloists – Christine Steyer, soprano; Katherine Calcamuggio, alto; Jesse Donner, tenor; and David Govertsen, bass-baritone – join the musicians and choirs during the final movement.

“This year the message of the Beethoven Ninth – with the composer’s profound assertion of humanity and its utopian vision of university brotherhood – is especially poignant,” says USO Music Director Barbara Schubert. “We are thrilled to have the chance to bring this great masterpiece to the Mandel Hall stage at this very challenging time for our nation and our world.”

The performances take place on Saturday, May 27 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 28 at 3 p.m. in Mandel Hall at 1131 East 57th Street. Admission is free. Donations are requested at the door: $10 general, $5 students and children. For more information visit music.uchicago.edu or call 773-702-8069.