Beethoven Symphony No 9 "Choral"

York Beethoven Project   --   the Grand FinaléThe York Beethoven project was conceived in a conversation under the stage at Harrogate Theatre in 2022and set up in 2023 with the aim of playing all of the 9 Symphonies in local venues with Local musicians.Since then they have played 8 (No6 in Selby Abbey) with only the Epic No9 Choral Symphony now needed to complete the cycle and mark the Bi-Centenary of Beethoven's death in Vienne, 1827.

Founder & Conductor John Atkin said "The whole project has been a great experience and we can not believe that it's nearly over.  The 1st Come & Play day attracted 53 musicians and we have now averaged 64 for each piece with well over 100 players taking part across the whole cycle. For No9 though we need a Choir, as Beethoven expanded the Symphonic form across 24 years we have to expand our numbers in the next 6 months!  Having said that we already have 74 singers Registered to join us.   We have approached a number of choirs and organisations that I have worked  with over the years and the response has been excellent so far.   York Opera, Cantores, York Musical Society, South Bank Singers and others have all supported our call with a good number from each group signed up to sing with us in Selby Abbey on 13th March where we will also be singing Zadok the Priest and the Orchestra will perform the World premier of "Augury" which we have commissioned from local Composer Cameron McArthur.   

Following this Concert, the Orchestra will be rebranded as York Occasional Orchestra meeting twice a year for come and play daysopen to all exploring other Symphonic Repertoire starting in September 2027 with a well loved work to be announced next year.   Do join us and over 130 performers for this rarely performed ground breaking piece of music.