Great Works Concert SY2019-20

This year, the musicians are exploring Beethoven, with a nod to many of his most famous pieces in the program. Widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of all time, Ludwig van Beethoven defined the transitional period between classicism and romanticism. As the world became more aware of freedom and dignity of the individual, Beethoven tried to express the emotional heart of humanity’s place in the world through his music.

Beethoven eventually wrote nine complete symphonies, with his last (written when he was almost completely deaf), focussing on the “unity of mankind and our place in the universe”. This grand purpose naturally expanded the scope of possibilities for symphonies, which Beethoven achieved by adding a wider variety of instrumentation to create bolder, more challenging movements that fired the imagination.

The concert will start with Mass in C major - Gloria: Quoniam tu solus and conclude with Joyful, Joyful. In between you will get a sense of Beethoven’s musical journey as the musicians share selections from the first, fifth and seventh symphonies. From an educational perspective, the concert focuses on collaboration across different music groups. The Show Choir, Symphonic Band and Orchestra will be share individual selections and then be joined by some members of the Concert Choir, Concert Band, Concert Band the the ISM staff and faculty for the feature pieces. In addition, we will also have members from various professional orchestras in Manila coming to practice and perform with us.