Cal Poly’s Symphony and Choirs will perform two of the most famous works in the Western Classical repertory at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, in the Performing Arts Center: Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Igor Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms.”
Completed in 1824, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is one of the most recognizable pieces of all time. Its use of vocal forces combined in a symphonic genre was a groundbreaking development in the history of music. Scored for large symphony orchestra, vocal soloists and choir, it is a timeless favorite and has been thrilling audiences for more than 200 years. Cal Poly Symphony Director David Arrivée will conduct the performance.
Stravinsky’s masterpiece “Symphony of Psalms” is equally momentous. Completed in 1930, it represents the height of his neoclassical period. “Treating the symphonic texts simply as ‘words’ and removing the emotional meaning behind the poetry was revolutionary at the time,” said Cal Poly Director of Choral Activities Scott Glysson, who will conduct the work. Scored for a massive wind and brass section, two pianos, percussion and cellos and basses, Stravinsky didn’t utilize traditionally romantic instruments in order to give it a cool, unemotional feel.
The Fresno City College City Singers under the direction of Jennifer Heder will join the Cal Poly groups, making for a combined total of nearly 250 performers onstage.
