Oroville Mercury-Register

Seeing Unstoppabl­e Beethoven in concert

- By Verda Mackay

North State Symphony concludes its current season with its Masterwork­s 4 concert. Titled, “Unstoppabl­e Beethoven”, the concert will return with a full orchestra plus choir in a feature performanc­e of Beethoven’s iconic “Ninth Symphony”. Performanc­es are at the Cascade Theatre in Redding, May 14, at 7:30 p.m., and Laxson Auditorium in Chico, May 15, at 2 p.m.

Ludwig van Beethoven was a notable composer of memorable music in his lifetime of 1770-1827. Among his compositio­ns is Symphony No. 9 in which he gave expression to an all-embracing view of idealized humanity. He has traditiona­lly been referred to as the “bridge to romanticis­m.”

North State Symphony music director Scott Seaton will present a pre-concert talk for Masterwork­s 4, “Unstoppabl­e Beethoven,” one hour before the concert.

There will be four guest soloists for the concert, plus Shasta College Chorus, Elizabeth Waterbury, director; and Simpson University Choirs, Steve Kim, director. The Combined choruses with more than 100 voices will help conclude the NSS concert season.

The concert begins with the dramatic Overture No. 2 by Louise Farrenc. It also features a world premiere by the winner of the North

State Symphony compositio­n competitio­n.

Guest artist soprano Tonisa D’Amelio has sung with opera companies, orchestras, chamber ensembles and vocal concerts across the U.S. and abroad.

Molly Mahoney, mezzo-soprano, has charmed audiences with her singing, memorable humor and singing opera, musical theater and jazz with heartfelt portrayals.

Guest artist Michael Desnoyers is considered a sweet, well-projected lyric tenor. He has sung over 50 different roles across San Francisco Bay Area stages. With an extensive repertoire from the Baroque to the 21st Century, he has sung a number of world premieres.

Ben Brady, bass-baritone, is recognized for his voice and commanding stage presence. He is noted as a bass-baritone of prominent importance, being honored with many first place awards.

North State Symphony is a vibrant profession­al symphony orchestra performing in Chico, Redding and other cities in the north state. It receives support from generous individual­s and businesses in their communitie­s, and Chico

State. Everyone is invited to join for a concert, one of the fun events and celebrate live music for everyone.

Tickets for this concert are available at both box offices and can be purchased in person or online. Laxson Auditorium at the University Box Office in Chico, West Third and Chestnut streets, call 898-6333. Cascade Theatre Box Office, 1733 Market St., in Redding, 2438877. Ticket informatio­n also at https://northstate­symphony.org/tickets.

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