Grand Junction Symphony wraps season with Beethoven's 'Ninth'

By Krystyn Hartman
Grand Junction, CO, Colorado
May 9, 2008

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    The Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra presents “Ode to Joy,” Beethoven’s colossal “Ninth Symphony” on Saturday at the Grand Junction High School Auditorium. Starring Kara Guggenmos, soprano; Marcia Ragonetti, mezzo; Jack Delmore, tenor; Christopher Job, bass; the Mesa State Concert Choir and Western Colorado Chorale led by choir director Monte Atkinson, the “Ode to Joy” concert promises a dynamic finale to the Symphony’s 30th anniversary season.

    Underwritten in part by U.S. Bank, the concert opens with Beethoven’s “Overture to Leonore No. 3” followed by the monumental “Symphony No. 9 in D minor” — commonly known as Beethoven’s Ninth.

    “Beethoven’s ‘Ninth Symphony’ is a testament to humanity,” said GJSO Music Director Kirk Gustafson. “The forces joined together: A full chorus, four talented soloists and a large orchestra make this an historical event for Grand Junction.”

    Beethoven’s sketches of material used in the choral symphony appeared as early as 1817, but his real composition of this final symphony took place between 1822 and 1824 — long after his deafness had taken hold.

    The piece was first performed in Vienna in 1824. Since he had very little hearing left, he stood in the middle of the orchestra and tried to follow the performance by looking at the score. He had lost his place by the end of the performance and was oblivious to the tremendous applause from the audience. One of the soloists encouraged him to face the audience while he was trying to find his place in the score. When the audience realized that he could not hear either them or the music, Beethoven was overcome by the great sympathy and admiration in their faces. Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” traces a path from darkness to light.

    Soprano Kara Guggenmos and mezzo Marcia Ragonetti return to Grand Junction for this performance. Both joined the Orchestra in 2006 for Mahler’s “Resurrection Symphony.” Tenor Jack Delmore is a full professor of vocal performance at Mesa State College. Bass Christopher Job is a rising star on the American opera scene.
Patrons will barely notice the Rocky Mountain PBS KRMJ film crew working behind the scenes as they film the concert since it will be televised statewide June 19 at 8 p.m. The KRMJ team will use five cameras to ensure expressive close-ups and full wide shots of the orchestra. The televised concert is made possible by underwriting support from the Western Colorado Chapter of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association.

    “Ode to Joy” concert tickets are $27, $23 and $18. Tickets are available online at www.gjsymphony.org and from the Symphony office at (970) 243-6787.

    Krystyn Hartman is executive director of the Grand Junction Symphony and the Grand Junction Musical Arts Association.