Ludwig van Beethoven never heard a note of his renowned Symphony No. 9. Because he was deaf by that point, he didn’t even hear the wildly enthusiastic applause as he received five standing ovations from the audience. Now Santa Cruz Symphony and Music Director Daniel Stewart bring that innovative composition to the concert stage, along with Antonín Dvořák’s exuberant Carnival Overture and Jaron Lanier’s beautiful Khaenoncerto.
Beethoven’s final symphonic creation was groundbreaking. Before this, a chorus and vocal soloists were never involved, because symphonies were only instrumental compositions. Symphony No. 9 was also longer and more complex than any other symphony, using a larger orchestra and expanding the symphonic structure. Beethoven included Friedrich Schiller’s hymn Ode to Joy, adding a humanistic appeal to unity, friendship, and freedom.
In fact, this symphony was so innovative that Beethoven worried the audience would not like his changes, such as reversing the order of two movements to create a more intense emotional buildup. After the final note, Beethoven did not even turn to face the audience—until someone turned him around so he could see the thunderous approval. Handkerchiefs and hats were thrown into the air and hands were raised so that Beethoven, who they knew could not hear their cheering, could at least see the ovations.
Santa Cruz Symphony’s performance of this masterwork features the orchestra in collaboration with Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus under the direction of Carlin Truong. Guest soloists include:
- Soprano Dani Zhang, an award-winning emerging artist currently studying at the New England Conservatory
- Mezzo-soprano Ginger Costa-Jackson, who honed her craft as part of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program
- Tenor Joshua Stewart, formerly with Munich’s Bavarian State Opera Studio, a Symphony favorite who also is a jazz performer
- Baritone Edward Tavalin, a newcomer from the Santa Cruz Mountains, who has played both leading and supporting opera roles
The joy continues
The concert opens with Antonin Dvořák’s Carnival Overture depicting humanity’s power to enjoy merriment and delight in happiness. In short, it’s a celebration of life. Written in the sonata form, it includes a creative and dreamy intermezzo. This is one of only three overtures he wrote, the other two being In Nature’s Realm and Othello.
Next, Jaron Lanier returns to the Santa Cruz Symphony stage with Khaenoncerto. Arranged by Maestro Daniel Stewart for the orchestra, this is an original composition for the khaen, a traditional multi-piped instrument from Laos. Premiered at the WRO 2000 Media Art Biennale in Warsaw, the music exemplifies his blend of technology, unconventional musical instruments, and immersive virtual environments. The piece was designed to interact with virtual reality (VR) worlds, reflecting the composer’s role as a pioneer of VR.
Jaron Lanier has amassed a collection of about 2000 instruments, most of which he plays. Besides his musical talents, he is an inventor of virtual reality, a computer scientist, and a futurist. He has been named among the Top 100 Intellectuals, 100 Most Influential People, Top 50 World Thinkers, and one of the Top 25 Influencers in technological history.
Pre-Concert Talks: Scheduled for one hour before each concert, these talks feature insights by Dr. Don Adkins and Kiefer Taylor. They explain the background of each composition so audiences can enjoy the program more fully.
Open Rehearsal: A free open rehearsal is set at the Civic Auditorium on Thursday, April 30, at 7:30 pm. No reservations are required, and audiences can see how the concert comes together.
Tickets: Purchase online at https://tinyurl.com/scs-beethoven-tix
Student Rush: Students are eligible for $15 tickets 90 minutes prior to each Classical Series Symphony concert. Students must present valid student identification. Tickets subject to availability for all seating sections.
