Ode to Joy: A Wonderful Way to Begin 2025
Our Lake Forest Civic Orchestra poster for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony features a contemporary image of hands joining together. Why?
To answer that let’s fast-forward to the symphony’s fourth movement, with its chorus largely based on Friedrich Schiller’s poem Ode to Joy. In choosing this poem, some scholars believe Beethoven was calling for freedom and unity among humankind. The final movement of his final symphony is an explosion of joy and understanding. An excerpt from the German text in English:
Joy, beautiful spark of Divinity,
Daughter of Elysium,
We enter, drunk with fire,
Heavenly one, thy sanctuary!
Thy magic binds again
What custom strictly divided;
All people become brothers,
Where thy gentle wing abides.
We invite you begin 2025 by journeying to such a place with the LFCO. A chorus of nearly 100 singers will be joining the orchestra, bringing Schiller’s words to life. Two choirs are lending their voices to this performance and both ensembles have missions that align in perfect harmony with Schiller’s words.
Lux Cantorum, led by Dr. Wilbert Watkins, has a mission to “nurture an inclusive, creative community by sharing the transformative power of sacred choral music.” Please go to luxcantorum.org for more information on the group.
Chicago Master Singers, led by Dr. John C. Hughes, aspires to “grow a culture of inclusive, intergenerational ensemble singing through extraordinary musical experiences that lift the human spirit.” Their mission is to inspire singers and audiences through personal connections and musical excellence. You can learn more about Chicago Master Singers at chicagomastersingers.org.
Beethoven’s 9th premiered in 1824. Celebrate 200 years of a masterpiece on January 19th at the College of Lake County’s James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, during the month that we also celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Click here for tickets.
