Mechanics Hall Presents BEETHOVEN'S ODE TO JOY Today

Last year Beethoven's Ninth Symphony had been scheduled for the week that may well have been the most horrific in Boston's history. The city closed down, and Beethoven's great Ode to Joy was silenced. During what transpired that week, and then in the weeks and months after, the city demonstrated its courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit in the most moving of ways. And now that time has passed, Mr. Zander and the Philharmonic are putting the Ninth on the schedule once again, as a special added concert that will take place twice in Symphony Hall and once in Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

The Beethoven Ninth remains after two hundred years music's ultimate affirmation of the indomitable human spirit. No other work delivers this particular, powerful message in music of the richest complexity that is still understandable by everyone, everywhere. Mr. Zander feels a particularly close affinity to this work, and has a special respect for its message. He chose it back in 1990 as the first commercial recording to be made by the BPO. Astonishingly, we have not returned to this seminal work for 23 years! We had hoped to end last season on its joyous note. That was not to be, but perhaps its delayed message will be all the more meaningful to all of us, in the wake of the feelings we all shared last April. The orchestra, soloists and the Chorus Pro Musica will all be there to celebrate the brotherhood of mankind. Be sure that you're there as well, and we'll all celebrate together!

BEETHOVEN /SYMPHONY No. 9
and Overture to Coriolan
SEPTEMBER 30 8:00PM
SYMPHONY HALL

Conductor's Talk, 6:45
OCTOBER 3 8:00PM
MECHANICS HALL, WORCESTER

Conductor's Talk, 6:45
OCTOBER 4 8:00PM*
SYMPHONY HALL

Conductor's Talk, 6:45
*Only single seats left, no pairs

BOSTON PHILHARMONIC
Benjamin Zander, Conductor

CHORUS PRO MUSICA
Jamie Kirsch, Chorus Director
WITH SOLOISTS
Michelle Johnson, soprano
Sarah Heltzel, mezzo-soprano
Yeghishe Manucharyan, tenor
Robert Honeysucker, baritone

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