Originally a poem written in the late-1700s, “Ode to Joy” is best known as the final movement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, which is widely considered one of the greatest compositions in western music.
In that context, the piece has been described as “one of mankind’s supreme epiphanies of love and goodwill,” with its swirling melodies, triumphant horns, and rafter-raising vocals. On May 7, the Santa Cruz Symphony, featuring vocal soloists from the Metropolitan Opera and the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus under the direction of Cheryl Anderson, bring the masterpiece to town.
INFO: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz. $27-$72. 426-6966. WANT TO GO? Go to santacruz.com/giveaways before 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29 to find out how you could win a pair of tickets to the concert.
