“The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra plans to tackle Beethoven’s ambitious final symphony with the aid of more than 200 choral singers in one of their grandest productions yet at the Williamsburg Community Chapel April 12,” writes Seth Birkenmeyer in Tuesday’s (4/3) Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg, VA). “ ‘It is certainly the biggest concert that we have ever had since I’ve been here,’ said Carolyn Keurajian, WSO executive director. ‘It’s a wonderful collaboration with so many different organizations.’ … Janna Hymes, the symphony’s music director, said the piece … ‘was a testament to freedom and to love and what he was trying to get across at the end of his life.’ … Since her tenure began in 2004, the WSO has performed Beethoven’s eight other symphonies, some more than once. But the ninth is a first. ‘For us, it’s a milestone,’ ” says Hymes. “It’s also a chance to highlight other artists, including 220 singers from four choral organizations: the Williamsburg Choral Guild, the Virginia Choral Society, the Virginia Wesleyan University Singers and Christopher Newport University’s Chamber Choir. ‘These are fantastic choral directors, known in their field,’ Hymes said. ‘We just love the idea that it was a collaborative effort.’ ”
Posted April 4, 2018
