The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 on Saturday, May 18, marking the 200th anniversary since the work was first performed.
Beethoven premiered the work on May 7, 1824, in Vienna. It took Beethoven two years to write the choral symphony and was the first example of a major composer scoring vocal parts in a symphony. The most recognized section is the final movement, commonly known as the Ode to Joy, featuring four vocal soloists and chorus.
Joining Conductor Stilian Kirov on stage will be Kimberly E. Jones, soprano; Leah Dexter, mezzo soprano; Ryan Townsend Strand, tenor; Bill McMurray, baritone, and the Chicago Community Chorus.
The IPO program will open with Caroline Shaw’s Seven Joys.
This performance by the IPO will close out the orchestra’s 46th season.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Christian College’s Ozinga Chapel, 6601 W. College Dr. in Palos Heights.
Tickets start at $15. For information, visit ipomusic.org.