Dudamel Leads Beethoven 9 at Hollywood Bowl

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony has long been considered a testament to freedom, peace, and solidarity. Adopted by the European Union as its official anthem, the climactic “Ode to Joy” honors music as a universal language and highlights values shared around the world. Bernstein carries that celebratory spirit in his *Chichester Psalms*, an uplifting and atmospheric conglomerate of Hebrew verses, Christian choral tradition, and the punchy rhythms a la *West Side Story*. Countertenor Key’mon Murrah, praised for his “phrasing with the feel of fine silk” (Opera News) contrasts the first and last movement’s peppy bongos and lush string harmonies with a gentle solo accompanied by harp.