Saturday May 16, 2026, @ the IU Musical Arts Center
- 6:15pm pre-concert talk
- 7:00pm concert
Adults: $25, Students: $12, Children under 18: Free
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What is it about Beethoven’s 9th Symphony that sets it apart? Maybe it’s the innovative musical structure. Maybe it’s the way Beethoven blends themes of chaos, redemption, grace, and struggle so effortlessly. Or it could be that this piece culminates, as John Henken of the LA Philharmonic writes, “expressing our highest aspirations with music of life-affirming exaltation.”
For the first time in our history the BSO will perform Beethoven’s iconic 9th Symphony. Joined by a 100+ member community chorus on the stage of Indiana University’s Musical Arts Center (MAC), this is sure to be an unforgettable concert experience that will also feature a world premiere piece by Daixuan Ai.
Participating choirs include the Bloomington Chamber Singers (Caio Lopes, director), Voces Novae (Sue Swaney, director) and the choir of the Unitarian Universalist Church (Sue Swaney, director), as well as individuals from many other local choirs. The choirs are all coming together under the direction of Dr. Betsy Burleigh.
Vocal soloists:
Soprano: Natalie Friedrich
Alto: Esther Jo
Tenor: Suro Kim
Bass: Stephen Stavnicky