On Sunday, November 16, the New Philharmonia Orchestra (NPO), under the direction of maestro Jorge Soto, performed Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 in a sold-out concert at Boston College. This was a massive undertaking led by NPO general manager Kara Stoughton and music director Jorge Soto.
The orchestra was accompanied by a chorus of 120 voices from The Boston Cecilia, Chorus Pro Musica, The Commonwealth Chorale, and Women of Note. Soloists were Olga Lisovska (soprano) of Newton, Janea Peterson (mezzo soprano), Maotu Hou (tenor) and Quinglin Liu (baritone).
A contingent of singers from The Highland Glee Club, directed by Sara Robinson Seebers, started the proceedings with a prelude of mannerchor selections from German Enlightenment.
Ms Robinson Seebers said of the performance of Beethoven’s 9th, “This was about as close as I get to a religious experience. Incredibly moving to see hundreds of amateur musicians taking part in this amazing event.”
