A special dedication from JoAnn Falletta in memory of former symphony conductor, Russell Stanger
The Virginia Symphony will present Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, arguably his most celebrated symphony, for three performances in Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. “As many times as I’ve conducted Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony,” JoAnn Falletta declares, “it always astonishes and humbles me. The music is very difficult, with near-constant challenges of pacing, musical architecture, and ensemble.”
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was the first piece that the Virginia Symphony Chorus sang on with the Virginia Symphony after its inception, and so it is fitting that this performance will serve as the Virginia Symphony Chorus’ 25th Anniversary Reunion Concert. Chorus Master Robert Shoup comments “Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony holds special meaning for the VSO Chorus, continually inspiring us with its evocations of human goodness and breathless declarations of joy. It is a cornerstone of human expression, and we are privileged to sing it, particularly this year as we invite alumni from our past 25 seasons to join us.”
The performance will also feature soloists Aundi Moore, soprano, Stacey Rishoi, mezzo-soprano, Vale Rideout, tenor, and Kevin Deas, baritone.
Audiences will recognize the exuberant finale, Ode to Joy – a bold and dramatic call to brotherhood, a joyous declamation of praise and thanksgiving. JoAnn Falletta comments that the third movement of Beethoven’s Ninth is “perhaps the greatest music Beethoven wrote.”
Also on the program is Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by British composer Ralph Vaughan William. The “Tallis Fantasia” serves as homage to Thomas Tallis, a sixteenth century organist who produced both sacred and secular music. This gentle and unassuming piece serves as an excellent contrast to the cacophonous Ninth Symphony. This selection will be dedicated in memory of Russell Stanger, celebrating his tenure.
Performances are Friday, January 30 at 8:00 PM, Ferguson Center in Newport News; Saturday, January 31 at 8:00 PM, Chrysler Hall in Norfolk; and Sunday, February 1 at 2:30 PM, Sandler Center in Virginia Beach.
Prices range from $25 – $107, and $10 student tickets are available with Student ID. For tickets, call Symphony Patron Services, 757-892-6366 or visitwww.virginiasymphony.org
Sponsors include LifeNet Health, Norfolk Southern, and Sinclair Communications.
Under the leadership of GRAMMY-winning music director, JoAnn Falletta, the Virginia Symphony is Southeastern Virginia’s pre-eminent professional symphony orchestra with a mission of inspiring, educating and connecting audiences of all ages. Founded in 1920, it is ranked in the top ten percent of professional orchestras nationwide and serves the entire Southeastern Virginia region with Classics, Pops and Family concert series in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Williamsburg as well as performances in outlying Virginia and North Carolina communities, reaching more than 160,000 concert-goers every year. Additionally, the orchestra annually reaches 45,000 children, students and lifelong learners with its education and community programs. The Virginia Symphony has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and is the cornerstone of the Performing Arts in Southeastern Virginia.
