Bonds, Margaret – Montgomery Variations
Beethoven, Ludwig van – Symphony No. 9

Special guests:
Brianna J. Robinson, soprano
Britt Brown, alto
Albert Lee, tenor
Kevin Deas, bass
The Worcester Chorus of Music Worcester – Chris Shepard, Conductor

Beethoven’s “Ninth” is always a momentous event, so we’re thrilled to present two performances of this beloved piece. Known as “Ode to Joy” because of the familiar theme in the symphony’s fourth movement, it’s the first symphony to incorporate vocal soloists and chorus into what was previously a purely instrumental genre. We’re delighted to welcome the acclaimed Worcester Chorus of Music Worcester to our stage along with four outstanding soloists to bring this monumental yet ethereal composition to life. But first, our program opens with an important work by Margaret Bonds, noted as one of the first Black composers and performers to gain recognition in the United States. Written in 1964 after the composer’s visit to Montgomery, Alabama, the Montgomery Variations fervently examines seminal events from the civil-rights movement.

Bonds, Margaret – Montgomery Variations
Beethoven, Ludwig van – Symphony No. 9

Special guests:
Brianna J. Robinson, soprano
Britt Brown, alto
Albert Lee, tenor
Kevin Deas, bass
The Worcester Chorus of Music Worcester – Chris Shepard, Conductor

Beethoven’s “Ninth” is always a momentous event, so we’re thrilled to present two performances of this beloved piece. Known as “Ode to Joy” because of the familiar theme in the symphony’s fourth movement, it’s the first symphony to incorporate vocal soloists and chorus into what was previously a purely instrumental genre. We’re delighted to welcome the acclaimed Worcester Chorus of Music Worcester to our stage along with four outstanding soloists to bring this monumental yet ethereal composition to life. But first, our program opens with an important work by Margaret Bonds, noted as one of the first Black composers and performers to gain recognition in the United States. Written in 1964 after the composer’s visit to Montgomery, Alabama, the Montgomery Variations fervently examines seminal events from the civil-rights movement.

“Fantastic flute musicians in a gorgeous venue!” — Concert attendee

Director Nicole O’Toole will lead this outstanding ensemble of adult musicians in classical and contemporary works arranged or written for flutes.

Join us for the season opener of the Groton Hill Flute Orchestra! Experience a captivating program featuring a diverse array of selections, all inspired by dances from around the world. This talented ensemble of adult musicians will perform works by Respighi, Byrd, Holst, Dvořák, Fauré, and Gottschalk. In addition, enjoy vibrant pieces such as a rhumba, a Spanish polonaise, a Venezuelan salsita, and an original work by Jonathan Cohen. Don’t miss the chance to witness this incredible ensemble perform in our 1,000-seat Concert Hall!

Join us for an afternoon of overtures, intermezzi, arias and duets from the greatest operatic geniuses: Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Mascagni, and Puccini.

All performed and sung by our wonderful orchestra and two extraordinary young voices:

• Megan Hull, Soprano
• MinSun Im, Tenor

pre-concert conductor's talk at 6:30pm

Ives | Three Places in New England 1st Movement “The ‘St. Gaudens’ in Boston Common (Col. Shaw and His Colored Regiment)”
Nielsen | Symphony No. 4 “The Inextinguishable”
Holst | The Planets

Experience works that exemplify the human spirit of the colonists during the Revolutionary War. Ives is a local Massachusetts story. Nielsen and Holst were influenced by what was in the air during WW1 — humanity’s desire to live in freedom from oppression.