The Choir of the West and Choral Union perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony three times this May, with three different orchestras

PLU choirs and local orchestras will combine this spring to perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony three times this May, with the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra, PLU’s University Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Tacoma Youth Symphony and Everett Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, Dr. Paul Elliott Cobbs, contacted PLU’s Choir of the West Conductor Richard Nance in Spring 2012 about doing a collaborative performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

“Paul had heard about the quality of our choral program, and approached me about putting together the choir. I have long been interested in our choirs performing a work with the youth symphony–sort of a ‘music as a life-long vocation’ project,” Nance said.

After the dates were set with the Tacoma Youth Symphony and Everett Philharmonic Orchestra the ball just kept rolling. PLU’s University Symphony Orchestra Conductor Jeffrey Bell-Hanson approached Nance about doing the Ninth Symphony with the University Symphony Orchestra, so a third Beethoven performance was added.

In addition to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony choirs will also perform Beethoven’s in C-Major Mass, Opus 86, for the first two performances. The 47-minute work is for a four-voice choir and full orchestra.

Saturday, May 11 | 7pm | Everett Civic Auditorium 
The Choir of the West and the Choral Union perform with the Everett Philharmonic Orchestra. The Ninth Symphony will feature the Choral Union’s Jennifer Gorham and alumni Karlene Miles and John Carlsen along with professional Benjamin Harris. C-Major Mass will feature Erin White, Annie Herzog, John Marzano, and Julian Reisenthel. Tickets available through www.everettphil.org

Tuesday, May 14 | 8 pm | Lagerquist Concert Hall
The Choir of the West and the Choral Union perform with the University Symphony Orchestra. Featuring Marlette Buchanan, LeeAnne Campos, Stephen Rumph, Barry Johnson on the Ninth Symphony. C-Major Mass will feature Erin White, Annie Herzog, John Marzano, and Julian Reisenthel. Tickets available by calling the PLU Concierge Desk at 253-535-7411.

Sunday, May 19 | 3 pm | Pantages Theater
The Choir of the West and the Choral Union perform with the Tacoma Youth Symphony Orchestra for the Orchestra’s 50th anniversary celebration. The Ninth Symphony will feature the Choral Union’s Jennifer Gorham and alumni Karlene Miles and John Carlsen along with professional Benjamin Harris. Tickets available throughwww.tysamusic.org