OEBS 2009-2010 Season May 16, 2010

We'll conclude our season with one of the greatest masterpieces and most universally inspiring works in the classical repertoire -- Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. This glorious work stands apart from nearly every other symphony by virtue of its hopeful message of unity and brotherhood and unique use of the human voice. The grand choral finale, 'Ode to Joy' has come to symbolize the hopes and dreams of humankind, and the possibility of peace among nations. Its humanistic message has been welcomed far and wide, from Japan (where New Year's sing-along performances are as popular as our Messiahs) to Berlin (where Leonard Bernstein conducted a worldwide broadcast soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall) to various openings of the Olympics.