30th Anniversary Concert: Beethoven’s “Mass in C” and “Choral Fantasy” on April 19, 2009

Choral conductor Jane Hanson and piano soloist Vladimir Odinokikh

The Choral Fantasy is one of two Beethoven pieces which form the program for the Keene Chorale Spring Concert on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 3 p.m. at Keene High School on Arch Street. In 1808, Beethoven commissioned poet Christopher Kuffner to articulate in words the romantic ideal which his latest composition expressed in music.

“…The harmonies of our life, and the sense of beauty, engenders the flowers which eternally bloom…”

The piece, though shorter in length, is structured like Beethoven’s later, more famous Ninth Symphony with opening movements for orchestra and piano and the final movements reaching a dramatic climax with orchestra, piano, and the chorus, singing Kuffner’s poem.

The piano soloist is Vladimir Odinokikh, who has performed extensively and internationally and is now the organist/accompanist for the Keene Unitarian Universalist Church and the regular accompanist for the chorale.

Choral conductor Jane Hanson says the second piece, Beethoven’s Mass in C, is her favorite setting of a Mass. As a choral director and soloist, she has conducted and sung many Masses, so this is high praise.

The afternoon concert is sure to be a wonderful way to welcome spring and experience music’s contribution to “the harmonies of our life.”

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $5 for children. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult with a ticket. Tickets are available by calling 603-357-1534, at The Toadstool Bookshop and Cheshire Music Store in Keene, or may be purchased at the door.