Ode to Joy

John Storgårds, conductor
N. N., soprano
Tuija Knihtilä, alto
Tuomas Katajala, tenor
Tuomas Pursio, bass
Chorus Cathedralis Aboensis, choirmaster Paavo Hyökki
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra

Rodion Shchedrin: Praeludium to Beethoven´s 9th symphony
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony no 9 in D minor op. 125 ”Ode to Joy”

Beethoven’s Ninth is a celebration of art, community, joy, and friendship. “Alle Menschen werden Brüder” (“All men shall be brothers”) is proclaimed in the final movement of the symphony, based on a poem by Friedrich Schiller. Throughout its more than 200-year history, the symphony has played a major role in significant moments in culture, sports, and politics. Its music has been used to mourn and celebrate humanity, and it is one of the world’s most famous melodies. The work will once again serve as a milestone for an era when it is played as the farewell symphony at the Turku Concert Hall. When the music falls silent, the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra will close the doors of the Concert Hall and begin a new era at the Music Hall Fuuga.