Skip to main content Skip to main content

Walnut Creek Magazine

Joy! Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Diablo Symphony Orchestra

Diablo Symphony presents Beethoven’s Prometheus Overture, Ofperlied, and Ninth Symphony with San Ramon Valley and Campolinda High School choirs and Bay Area soloists. Conducted by Matilda Hofman.

The Diablo Symphony celebrates Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a work that holds a unique place in the symphonic and choral canon: his Ninth Symphony, also known as the Choral Symphony. The setting of Schiller’s poem “Ode to Joy” in the final movement has become one of the most recognized melodies in all of Western music, while the text’s key line, as modified by the composer, celebrates the moment when “all men become brothers”. The work as a whole, in taking audiences on a remarkable journey in search of joy and unity, has resonated across countries and centuries. Almost completely deaf, Beethoven, onstage to indicate tempos throughout the premier performance, was unaware of that audience’s reaction until coaxed to turn around: clapping raised hands, handkerchiefs and hats flying in the air, 5 standing ovations! The orchestra will be joined by Bay Area soloists Carrie Hennessey, Soprano, Betany Coffland, Alto, Michael Jankosky, Tenor, and Zachary Gordin, Bass. Also featured are the award winning high school concert choirs of Danville’s San Ramon Valley High and Moraga’s Campolindo High. The concert also features Beethoven’s Prometheus Overture and his Opferlied (“Song of Sacrifice”) with soloist Betany Coffland. The Saturday and Sunday performances are under the direction of Matilda Hofman, Music Director and Conductor of the Diablo Symphony Orchestra. Advance tickets are available at the Lesher Center box office, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 925-943-7469, or by visiting https://www.diablosymphony.org. Adults, $35; Youth 13–17, $10; Children 12 and under, Free. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Season Sponsors: John and Lorus Mosher, Patrick and Shirley Campbell Foundation

Date & Time

February 8, 2020

7:30PM - 10:00PM

Location

Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church - 1801 Lacassie Ave, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596 1801 Lacassie Ave Walnut Creek 94596 CA US

Get Directions

More Info

Event Website

(925) 943-7469

Adults, $35; Youth 13-17, $10; Children 12 and under, Free

Nightlife & Entertainment choir classical concerts orchestra symphony choral symphony Danville California Walnut Creek California Contra Costa County East Bay Northern California Lafayette California Alamo Californa Pleasant Hill California Concord California