There’s something about Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, often referred to as his choral symphony, that makes it a real treat for classical music lovers.
Perhaps it’s the fact that it combines large orchestral forces with a robust choir and fine soloists.
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with its famous Ode to Joy, will be the centrepiece of a concert called Immortal Beethoven, on Sunday December 1, performed by the Heidelberg Choral Society and Orchestra.
First performed in Vienna in 1824, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony has endured for two centuries, thrilling audiences with orchestration and libretto to espouse peace, freedom and the unity of humanity.
Conducted by Peter Bandy, a true Beethoven afficionado, it features four fine soloists in soprano Rebecca Rashleigh, mezzo-soprano Shakira Dugan, tenor Robert Macfarlane and bass-baritone Jeremy Kleeman.
The concert also features excerpts from The Ruins of Athens and Beethoven’s lesser-known masterpiece Christ on the Mount of Olives.
It’s all happening at the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar Performing Arts Centre, corner of Noel St and Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe, on Sunday December 1 at 2pm.
Book tickets at trybooking.com/CVXHM. More information about Heidelberg Choral Society can be found on its website -www.hcs.asn.au

• Julie Houghton