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The Ninth
LOW TICKET ALERT!
The Ninth
Saturday
Apr 13, 2024
7:30 PM
Sunday
Apr 14, 2024
3:00 PM
Winston-Salem Symphony
Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus
Winston-Salem State University Singing Rams
Wake Forest University Choir
Kathryn Mueller Soprano
Laurel Semerdjian Mezzo Soprano
Scott Ramsay Tenor
Jason McKinney Bass
Michelle Merrill Conductor
Chris Gilliam Chorus Director
Ludwig van Beethoven
Leonore Overture No. 3
Program Notes
Ludwig van Beethoven
“Mir ist so wunderbar” from Fidelio
Program Notes
Carlos Simon
Fate Now Conquers
Program Notes
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9
Program Notes
In 1824, audiences experienced Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the first time, and our musical world was forever transformed. Join us in commemorating the 200th Anniversary of this iconic masterpiece as the orchestra and chorus bring the glorious “Ode to Joy” to life. Immerse yourself in the transcendent beauty and message of unity in this immortal work as we explore why Beethoven’s music continues to resonate with music lovers worldwide.
Preceding this masterwork are two others by Beethoven, both with roots in his opera Fidelio—plus a recent work by composer Carlos Simon that uses the beloved Allegretto of Beethoven’s seventh symphony as a canvas.
Pre-Concert Talk
Saturday at 6:30 PM | Sunday at 2:00 PM
All audience members are invited to join us in Davis Chapel for a lively discussion about the music and surrounding context. Renowned Beethoven scholar Dr. David Levy is your guide—pre-concert talks are free to attend, and occur one hour before the concert.
Davis Chapel is accessible from the northeast corner of the greater Wait Chapel complex and is adjacent to Parking Lot P.
Single tickets to this event go on sale August 1, but you can save your seat with a subscription!
Saturday
Apr 13
7:30 PM
Sunday
Apr 14
3:00 PM
Venue
Wait Chapel
Wake Forest University
2625 Wake Forest Rd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
Rideshare and Dining
About the Performers
Kathryn Mueller
Soprano
American soprano Kathryn Mueller has made a mark with her “appealing stage presence of personal warmth and musicianship”, singing a wide range of repertoire from period baroque performances to world premieres of new works.
Laurel Semerdjian
Mezzo Soprano
Laurel Semerdjian, an American mezzo-soprano of Armenian descent, has been hailed as “a dramatic and musical tour de force” (Pittsburgh Tribune) for her portrayal of Asakir in Pittsburgh Opera’s production of Mohammed Fairouz’s Sumeida’s Song. Her voice has been praised for its “guttural low notes” (Pittsburgh Post Gazette) and “appealing weight, intensity and flexibility.”
Scott Ramsay
Tenor
Praised by Mark Swed of the Los Angeles Times for his “stentorian, strong tenor”, Scott Ramsay is highly regarded by opera companies and symphony orchestras across North America and abroad for his dynamic performances in repertoire ranging from bel canto to the 21st Century.
Jason McKinney
Bass
Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Jason McKinney graduated from the University Of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he studied voice with soprano Marilyn Taylor and tenor Glenn Siebert, conducting with Maestro James Allbritten, and composing with Kenneth Frazelle.
Related Events
Music Lovers’ Luncheon
Friday, Apr 12 at Noon
Founders Restaurant at The Shaffner Inn
150 Marshall St. SW, Winston-Salem
Symphony Supper Club
Sunday, Apr 14 at 5:30 PM
Rooster’s, A Noble’s Restaurant
380 Knollwood St.
Enjoy music, dinner, wine, and dessert immediately following the 3:00 PM matinée of The Ninth.
Symphony by the Glass
Thursday, Apr 11 at 5pm
The Caviste
1100 Reynolda Rd
Stop by for an afterwork glass from a selection of wines specifically paired to this week’s program! Enjoy music by WSS musicians and casual conversation with other Symphony goers. The event is free to attend; wines are available for purchase.
Drinks at The Remedy
Saturday evening, after the concert
The Remedy Cafe & Bar
492 West End Blvd.
After the Saturday concert, join us at The Remedy for a glass of wine and chat with Symphony musicians and fellow concertgoers in a hip, cozy atmosphere.