Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony to be performed in Jensen Hall on Nov. 6

Ludwig van Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony, with its transformative “Ode to Joy” choral ending, will be performed by the Idaho Falls Symphony and the 160 voices of the Camerata Singers and the Idaho State University Concert Choir on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Joseph C. and Cheryl H. Jensen Grand Concert Hall of the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center in Pocatello.

The career-capping masterpiece has never before been performed in an Eastern Idaho concert setting by a full symphony orchestra and represents an opportunity for generations to share in the enjoyment of the powerful composition in the acoustically-perfect Jensen Grand Concert Hall. 

Completed in 1824, the symphony is one of the best known works of the Western classical repertoire. It was the first example of a major composer using voices in a symphony. A poem is sung during the final movement by four vocal soloists and the chorus. The text was taken from the "Ode to Joy", written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785 and revised in 1803, with additions made by the composer.

Tickets at $20 for general admission and $10 for students are on sale now.  Call the Stephens Performing Arts Center Box Office at (208)282-3595 or visit www.isu.edu/stephens. Tickets are also available at Vickers stores in Pocatello and Idaho Falls.

Dr. Scott E. Anderson, professor of music and director of choral activities at Idaho State University, is conductor of both the Concert Choir and the Camerata Singers. He is available for interviews or comments on the performance and may be reached at andescot@isu.edu or (208) 282-2699.