Stetson University’s student musicians will take the stage Nov. 26 at Steinmetz Hall as they commemorate the 200th anniversary of the premiere of Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony.” 

“Performing at Steinmetz Hall is a truly remarkable experience for any musician,” said Washington García, DMA, Dean of School of Music. “The hall’s unparalleled acoustics provide an exceptional sound environment for performers and audience members. Our previous performance at Steinmetz was a tremendous success with outstanding attendance, and we look forward to returning to deliver another inspiring performance for the Orlando community.”

The Symphony Orchestra, the Choral Union and Concert Choir will combine to perform the choral finale of the iconic classical composition. The symphony was first performed in May 1824 in Vienna, where the German-born composer spent most of his life.

For Stetson’s Orchestra Director Anthony Hose, the performance represents a return to normalcy and the fulfillment of a sidelined goal.

“We had planned before the pandemic to do a complete ‘Ninth Symphony,’ and as it happens, it’s the only Beethoven symphony I’ve never conducted,” Hose said. “I’m delighted to at least be doing a half-hour of this piece in this concert.”

The program will open with the Symphonic Band performing a Carmen Dragon arrangement of “America the Beautiful” under the direction of Stetson’s new Band Director Chandler Wilson, PhD. 

“This will be my first performance at Steinmetz Hall,” Wilson said. “I’m pretty excited to stand on that stage.”

The hall, located in the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in downtown Orlando, is known as one of the world’s most acoustically perfect venues. 

For Stetson’s directors, it’s a perfect place to showcase the talent of the School of Music’s students.

“We are always grateful for our students to perform in exceptional and world-class performance venues,” said Timothy Peter, DMA, professor of music and concert choir director. “The quality of Stetson students combined with the beautiful music make these life-changing experiences for both our communities in the audience and our performing students on the stage.”

Hose is confident his instrumentalists will rise to the occasion, as they have when they have performed internationally, such as during the orchestra’s 2023 tour of Italy. 

The conductor has watched his students “play side by side with professional musicians knowing full well they’re going to be able to do it,” he recalled. “They’re up to the standard required.”

Wilson is “definitely looking forward” to giving his musicians “a chance to perform at a hall of such prestige and beauty and sound and being able to join them in that experience. That’s first and foremost.”

The concert will take place Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, visit drphillipscenter.org or call 407-358-6603. Steinmetz Hall is located at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando.

– Cheri Henderson