AN ODE TO BEETHOVEN! PORTLAND YOUTH PHILHARMONIC CLOSES 99TH SEASON WITH BEETHOVEN’S NINTH
Posted on April 3, 2023
PORTLAND, OR – For the first time in its 99-year history, the Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP), will perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s famous Ninth Symphony in May. They will be joined by the Portland Symphonic Choir and esteemed vocal soloists Vanessa Isiguen, Hannah Penn, Anthony Kalil, and Zachary Lenox. Experience the magic of this symphonic masterpiece for yourself at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on May 7, 2023 at 4:00 PM PT.
Good triumphing over evil; struggling through the night to ascend into the light; peace, joy, and humanity – Beethoven’s Ninth has been interpreted in countless ways since its premiere in 1824. However, one description has remained consistent among all who have heard it: this is a work of innovation and art like no other.
“Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony reminds me of my first trip to Austria as a music student, when I visited the Gustav Klimt Beethoven Frieze at the Vienna Secession,” reflected Vanessa Isiguen, soprano. “I loved Klimt, and I had studied Beethoven’s piece in school, but only then realized how monumental it was. I’m honored to perform with the exceptional young members of the PYP and I’m excited to share in what may be their first time performing this extraordinary piece, arguably one of the most supreme achievements in musical history.”
While combining orchestra and voices has been done for centuries, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony may have been the first piece in symphonic form to include choir. Featuring text from Friedrich Schiller’s Ode to Joy, and additional text from Beethoven himself, the fourth movement showcases a large chorus as well as four vocal soloists: soprano, mezzo soprano, tenor, and bass baritone.
“My relationship with [Beethoven’s Ninth] started when I was in middle school without me realizing it. My mom gave me a CD of classical music hits, which happened to include the 2nd movement of this symphony,” reminisced Zachary Lenox, bass baritone. “While I knew very little of classical music growing up in upstate New York, I used to listen to this CD all the time while in the house and especially going to sleep. It was not until I was in college, did I realize that this amazing melody I had loved growing up was from a larger work with a much more famous melody. The fact that I get to sing the baritone solo in it is an honor.”
The aforementioned famous melody – the Ode to Joy – has been associated with pivotal moments in world history, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, demonstrations in Chile, and Tiananmen Square. Today, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who does not know this iconic tune, at least in part; it is a piece that truly stands the test of time.
“The idea that joy can bring the world together in ‘brotherhood’ is pretty awe inspiring.” Lenox shares. “As the text states, both good and evil can find joy and bring us together. If the audience were to go away with just that one idea, I think it would be a huge success.”
This performance is a major milestone for the orchestra, as it will be the first time PYP has ever performed this iconic work and it will usher in PYP’s 100th season.
“All the members of the orchestra and I are looking forward to PYP’s first performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony,” said PYP Musical Director David Hattner. “Playing one of the most famous melodies ever written is an indescribable experience, and all of us will remember it forever.”
In-person tickets start at $15 for students/seniors, $20 for adults, and passes for the professionally produced livestream are $13. To learn more about the concert, musical artists, and to purchase tickets, visit portlandyouthphil.org/concerts; in-person tickets may also be purchased at the venue door.
This concert is generously supported in part by Shane Weisman of Ameriprise Financial. Hannah Penn, mezzo soprano, is sponsored by Suzanne Watnick.