Second Thoughts
Beethoven Concert Closes Current Masterworks Series
Uriel Segal conducted the Louisville Orchestra in an unusual Beethoven program to close the current Masterworks Series. The concert opened with Beethoven's "1st Symphony" and closed with his 9th, thus spanning in concert the range of Beethoven's musician genius.
Segal secured exceptionally talented soloists, blending them together with the orchestra in an unforgettable fashion. The four soloists were Rochelle Ellis, soprano; Rebecca Russell, mezzo-soprano; Daniel Weeks, tenor; and Kurt Link, bass. Additionally, there were four extra ensembles whose talents added much to the program: The Bach Society; University of Louisville's Collegiate Chorale; The Louisville Chorus and Voces Novae. These were directed by, respectively, Melvin Dickinson, Kent E. Hatteberg, Daniel Spurlock and Frank A. Heller III.
This program provided local music lovers with insight into Beethoven's many-sided genius. The Ninth Symphony especially lets the discerning listener hear how he broke with the past by integrating vocal and instrumental music, an innovation which has delighted music lovers ever since.
Thank You, Clarita
It is with great sadness that we learned that Clarita Whitney, widow of Robert Whitney, passed away. Her unsung but appreciated labors as secretary at the School of Music, her intelligence and her dedicated, informed support of Maestro Whitney were singular gifts to classical music in our community. Her gifts of love, support and gracious personality were many and did much good.