Valčuha Conducts Beethoven’s Ninth
Thu Nov 18 - Sat Nov 20, 2021
Orchestra Hall
Beethoven’s cry for universal community in his Ninth Symphony is so needed today. Juraj Valčuha conducts the Minnesota Orchestra and the Minnesota Chorale, with guest soloists Melody Moore, Kelley O’Connor, Sean Panikkar and Mark S. Doss. A sonorous Sinfonietta by Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson opens the program in a place of joy and delight.
A Few Things to Know
- Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson was the Music Director of the Jerome Robbins American Theater Lab and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as well as the founder of the Symphony of the New World.
- The Orchestra’s most recent performance of Beethoven’s Ninth occurred across the Atlantic Ocean as the final piece on the Orchestra’s South Africa tour, in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s centenary.
- The Minnesota Chorale has been the featured choir in many Minnesota Orchestra performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony since 1975.
Program
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PERKINSON
Sinfonietta No. 1
1 min noteOne Minute Note
This string sinfonietta comes from early in Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s career, prior to his serious ventures into the jazz world. The first movement is full of rhythmic shifts and Baroque influences, the second is a slow song built on melodies that proceed stepwise, and the action-packed rondo finale revisits the opening movement’s materials.
- INTERMISSION
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BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 9, Choral
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth, perhaps the most famous symphony ever written, journeys from darkness to light and culminates in the timeless Ode to Joy, a call to universal brotherhood. Premiered when its creator was completely deaf, this was the first symphony to employ the human voice, with four soloists and a choir in the final movement.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Juraj Valčuha
conductor
Minnesota Chorale
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. In September 2024, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his second season as music director.
Conductor Juraj Valčuha is recognized for the effortless expressiveness and the depth of his musicianship. With a sharp baton technique and a natural stage presence, it is the impressive ease of his interpretations that translate even the most complex scores into immersive experiences.
The Minnesota Chorale has served as the Minnesota Orchestra’s principal chorus since 2004 and is now in its 29th season under the leadership of Kathy Saltzman Romey. Founded in 1972, the Chorale is Minnesota’s preeminent symphonic chorus, with a roster of over 200 singers. Best known for its work with the two major orchestras of the Twin Cities, the ensemble is equally dedicated to programs that build and enrich community. A seasoned artistic partner, the Chorale continues to explore new artistic directions and collaborative opportunities, while earning the highest critical acclaim for its work on the concert stage. In 2018, members of the Chorale traveled to South Africa to perform alongside the Minnesota Orchestra in its historic concerts in Soweto and Johannesburg.
Your Concert Experience
Join us for Q&A’s, hosted discussions, exhibits and more. All free with your concert ticket!
Concert Preview
with Phillip Gainsley
When: Thu Nov 18 | 10:15am - 10:35am
Where: Auditorium
Join Phillip Gainsley and special guests for a conversation about this program and more.
Concert Preview
with Phillip Gainsley
When: Fri Nov 19 & Sat Nov 20 | 7:05pm -7:25pm
Where: Auditorium
Join Phillip Gainsley and special guests for a conversation about this program and more.
Spread Help & Hope this Holiday Season
During November, we're partnering with Good in the 'Hood to collect $25 gift cards to support the Adopt a Family program, which allows parents to choose gifts that best fit the needs of their families.
Accessibility Services
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large Print Programs
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
Sponsored By
The performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is sponsored by Jim and Jane Matson
