Akron Symphony Orchestra to present Beethoven's 9th at Ode to Joy concert on Feb. 18th

Feb. 13, 2012 - PRLog -- The Akron Symphony Orchestra celebrates the best of Beethoven and Brahms with Ode to Joy on Saturday, February 18 at The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall at 8 pm. Led by Maestro Christopher Wilkins, the Akron Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the Akron Symphony Chorus in a concert that showcases great works by Beethoven and Brahms and four amazing soloists, including soprano Dina Kuznetsova, mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong, tenor Timothy Culver and bass-baritone Peter van de Graaff.

“It is fitting that our concert opens with the joyous music of Brahms, Beethoven’s acknowledged successor,” said Akron Symphony Music Director and conductor, Christopher Wilkins. “The program is framed by works of closely related composers - the greatest German composers of the Romantic and Classical eras.”

Ode to Joy features three complete works by two great composers, including Brahms Academic Festival Overture, Beethoven’s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, and Beethoven’s famous Symphony No. 9, one of the supreme achievements of musical history and the greatest of all love songs.

“At its premiere, Beethoven’s 9th symphony was instantly recognized as an unparalleled achievement, a mountaintop, a divine feat - and it still is today,” said Maestro Wilkins. “There is only one Hamlet, one Sistine Chapel and one 9th.”

Be inspired by the Akron Symphony’s performance of Ode to Joy. This Classics Series concert comes to EJ Thomas Hall for one night only - Saturday, February 18 at 8 pm. Great seats are still available. Tickets range from $20 to $50 with discounts for seniors, students and groups. Call the Akron Symphony ticket office at 330-535-8131, visit http://www.akronsymphony.org/odetojoy, or call EJ Thomas Hall at 330-972-7570.

The Akron Symphony appreciates our sponsors, including the Ohio Arts Council, which helps fund Akron Symphony concerts with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Concert Sponsor for Ode to Joy is the Akron Symphony Guild. WKSU-FM is the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s official Classic Series media partner. Additional media support is provided by Akron Life and Leisure and Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com.

About the Akron Symphony Orchestra

The Akron Symphony Orchestra proudly celebrates our 60th anniversary during the 2011-2012 concert season. For 60 years, the Akron Symphony Orchestra has been a driving musical force throughout the Greater Akron area. Widely recognized for musical excellence and performance versatility, the Akron Symphony Orchestra is committed to enhancing the quality of life of our community through educational and musical excellence. The Akron Symphony Orchestra is operated by the Greater Akron Musical Association, Inc. (GAMA). GAMA’s vision is to be embraced and sustained as a community treasure that provides a welcoming environment for all people to experience great music. This vision is realized by operating the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Youth Orchestras, Akron Symphony Chorus, and numerous special outreach and educational programs.

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