BERKS SINFONIETTA & VOX PHILIA PRESENTS

BEETHOVEN'S NINTH

OCTOBER 14, 2023 AT 7:30PM

IMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

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The Berks Sinfonietta will perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 7:30 PM at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 99 S Waverly St, Shillington, PA. The performance is a collaboration with Vox Philia Chamber Choir, singers, and soloists from across the region. Beethoven's ninth symphony is one of the most famous and beloved works of classical music. It is the first to incorporate vocal soloists and chorus, setting Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy." The symphony, a celebration of brotherhood and universal love, is a powerful and uplifting work. 

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Berks Sinfonietta is a professional orchestra based in Reading, Pennsylvania. The orchestra is dedicated to presenting world-quality classical music to the community. Formed in 2014, Beethoven’s ninth is part of the orchestra’s celebration of their tenth concert season. Vox Philia Chamber Choir is a choir based in Berks County, Pennsylvania, known for its beautiful sound and its commitment to performing challenging and inspiring repertoire.

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 About the Soloists Robin Bier, an acclaimed contralto praised for her exceptional vocal range and captivating stage presence, is making waves in the world of classical music. With a diverse career spanning solo and ensemble singing, Bier has performed alongside esteemed orchestras and ensembles, leaving audiences spellbound with her inimitable talent. Bier's mesmerizing contralto voice has graced the stage as a soloist with prestigious organizations such as the Washington Bach Consort, American Bach Soloists, Sarasota Orchestra, and Philadelphia Bach Collegium, among others. Her performances have been hailed as emotionally moving and marked by a mysterious, dark hue that sets her apart from her peers. Not limited to solo performances, Bier has also lent her remarkable voice to renowned ensembles including the Choir of Trinity Wall Street, Everlasting Voices, Clarion, and I Tagliolini, to name a few. Her collaboration with these esteemed groups has resulted in critically acclaimed recordings and live performances that highlight her versatility as a vocalist. Tenor Jarrod Miller, known for his sensitive and beautifully phrased performances, offers a unique blend of musical talent and leadership. With a voice described as spine-tingling and pure, he has made a name for himself in the musical world. Jarrod has performed with various opera companies, including the Berks Opera Company and the Reading Symphony Orchestra. He has also showcased his solo talents with the Delaware Choral Society, Reading Choral Society, and Vox Philia Chamber Choir. In addition to his performing career, Jarrod is a respected choral leader and voice teacher in the Reading area. He is an active member of several musical organizations and recently became a father. 

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Graham Bier, a talented bass, has established himself as a sought-after soloist in the music industry. He has performed with renowned ensembles such as Choral Arts Philadelphia, American Bach Soloists, and Big Apple Baroque. Graham has also portrayed various roles in operas, including Dandini/Alidoro in La Cenerentola and Gelone in Orontea. As an ensemble musician, he has collaborated with esteemed groups like Stile Antico and I Fagiolini. Additionally, Graham serves as Director of Music for Bryn Athyn Church and Music Director for Reading Choral Society. With his impressive background and expertise, he continues to captivate audiences. Soprano Rebecca Diamond has extensive experience performing in opera, oratorio, and musicals all over the Northeast, Western Europe, and Brazil. In repertoire ranging from Bach to twentieth century world premieres, she has been praised for her "versatility, sparkling stage presence, and radiant, clear tone". She earned a Bachelor of Music from Temple University on a full scholarship and has performed in the smallest opera houses of Austria to Carnegie Hall, Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, Atlanta's Symphony Hall, Philadelphia's Academy of Music, and Kimmel Center, and off-Broadway. As a professional ensemble singer, Rebecca has performed with the Philadelphia Chorus, Mendelssohn Club, and the Philadelphia Singers. Singing with Vox Philia is one of her favorite ensemble gigs. Upcoming engagements include a Philadelphia performance of Jules Massenet’s oratorio, Eve, in which she plays the title character. 

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This performance of Beethoven's ninth symphony is a fabulous opportunity to experience this masterpiece of classical music in a live setting. The performance will be conducted by Dr. David McConnell, Artistic Director of both Berks Sinfonietta and Vox Philia, and a music educator who is known for his passion for music and his ability to bring out the best in his performers. Beethoven’s 9th was used in motion pictures as the soundtrack for Clockwork Orange (1971), Die Hard (1988), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), and V for Vendetta (2006) as well as many other equally popular motion pictures over the years. 

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Tickets for the performance are $18 and can be purchased online at https://berkssinfonietta.ticketspice.com/october-2023-beethovens-ninth or at the door for $20.

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