“Beethoven’s 9th: Ode to Joy” Features 150 Musicians on Stage in a Powerhouse Event
HYANNIS, MA—April 26, 2022
As the Cape Symphony concludes its season-long tribute to Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday, the orchestra will celebrate the genius who set the standard for perfection with Beethoven’s 9th: Ode to Joy on May 14 & 15, 2022.
The pinnacle of the celebration will be Beethoven’s very best: the towering Ninth Symphony. Requiring a brilliant chorus, outstanding soloists, and an enormous (and enormously talented) orchestra, Beethoven’s Ninth is perhaps the greatest triumph of Western classical music.
“One of the reasons the Ninth is so special is that Beethoven was the first major composer to include the human voice in a symphony,” explained Jung-Ho Pak, Artistic Director & Conductor. “The familiar ’Ode to Joy’ section is many things: a protest anthem, a celebration of music, and a call for unity among all humankind, something we all long for these days.”
To begin the Beethoven-centric event, the Cape Symphony’s principal string players will perform “Grosse Fuge,” one of the most visionary works for string quartet ever written. Pianist Mikael Darmanie, known for his work with Boston-based Warp Trio, will perform the shimmering “’Moonlight’ Sonata,” perhaps Beethoven’s most popular composition for the piano.
For the Ninth Symphony, the Cape Symphony will be joined by Chorus pro Musica, singers with a superb reputation as one of the great choruses of New England, led by Dr. Jamie Kirsch. The four soloists are Chelsea Basler, Soprano; Laurel Semerdjian, Alto; Adrian Kramer, Tenor; and Brandon Bell, Bass. Basler performed with the Cape Symphony in 2018’s “Mozart Requiem.” The others will be making their Cape Symphony debuts.
“I’m thrilled to bring together our incredible orchestra with four extraordinary soloists and the renowned Chorus pro Musica,” said Pak. “A performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony should be a monumental experience, earth-shattering and inspiring; and trust me, our performances will be!”
To ensure the health and well-being of its customers, staff, and community, the Cape Symphony’s health and safety policies remain in place. Visit capesymphony.org/covid-19 for full details on the Cape Symphony’s health and safety policies.
The Cape Symphony is proud to present Beethoven’s 9th: Ode to Joy on Saturday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 15 at 3:00 p.m. at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis. For more information and to purchase tickets for Beethoven’s 9th: Ode to Joy, visit capesymphony.org, call the Box Office at 508-362-1111, email
Media Contact:
Ellen Cliggott, Public Relations & Marketing Writer
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About Cape Symphony
At the Cape Symphony, our mission is to Inspire Joy. We do this through outstanding entertainment and educational programs. Cape Cod’s very own professional orchestra, the Cape Symphony, performs at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis. From popular hits to magnificent classics, highlighting hidden gems and putting a new twist on standards, the emphasis is always on fun, surprises, and beautiful music. The Cape Symphony commitment to education for all ages includes private lessons, classes and ensembles at campuses in Barnstable and Falmouth as well as online. Its acclaimed preschool program is known for blending traditional academics with the arts. Through community outreach, the Cape Symphony brings an array of engaging programs to the Cape Cod community. Visit www.capesymphony.org for more information.
