Key Chorale Ode to Joy Program

JAMAL SARIKOKI

TATEV BAROYAN

GLENN PRIEST

AMY JO CONNOURS

BLAKE FRIEDMAN

Saturday, May 10, 2025 SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE PRESENTING CO-SPONSORS - Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Charlie Ann & Jim Syprett GUEST ARTIST CO-SPONSOR - Gulf Coast Community Foundation GUEST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE SPONSORS - Audrey Robbins & Harry Leopold PRINCIPAL PIANIST SPONSOR - Allen Batchelder

KeyChorale.org • 941.552.8768

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PROUD TO BE A PARTNER In transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach and service to the community.

Each one of us has the potential to impact a person, a cause, a community.

For 45 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been key to unlocking possibilities for all who call our area home.

You can be the one to make a difference.

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Our History Key Chorale was founded in Spring 1985 by Ann Stephenson-Moe, Organist and Choirmaster of the Church of the Redeemer and Don B. Ryno, Minister of Music at St. Boniface Church. For 21 years, Daniel Moe served as Artistic Director of Key Chorale.

Referred to as the “Dean of Choral Conductors” by the New Yorker, Dr. Moe previously conducted the internationally renowned Oberlin College Choir. He announced his intended retirement in October 2005, which allowed the Chorale to conduct a nationwide search for a new Artistic Director. Dr. Moe’s last concert was April 30, 2007, with a performance of Verdi’s acclaimed Requiem. His tenure with Key Chorale established a standard of choral excellence continued by current Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, appointed in 2007.

Collaborating with the Sarasota Orchestra under the baton of Leif Bjaland, the Chorale performed such masterworks as Poulenc’s Gloria, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, and Haydn’s The Creation. Key Chorale appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Leonard Slatkin presenting Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

The commissioning of new choral music has always been a priority of the Chorale.

Notable commissions include Three Days by the Sea by Gwyneth Walker, Invocations – Prayers for the Earth by Dale Warland, The Lake Isle and Arise by Ola Gjeilo, and others. Key Chorale has also released several recordings including ARISE, Choral Music of Ola Gjeilo released in 2017, and INVOCATIONS released in 2010.

Key Chorale has taken its music to Europe on several occasions. In 2001, the Chorale toured Prague, Vienna, and Budapest. In 2009 they presented concerts in France and Italy, including a concert in Asolo, Sarasota’s Sister City, and a memorable Mass at the historic San Marco Basilica in Venice. In 2012, Key Chorale toured Ireland and Scotland, including performing in Saint Giles’ Cathedral.

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MISSION STATEMENT: Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach and service to the community.

VISION STATEMENT: A Suncoast community that is engaged and enriched by the power of our music and outreach.

Executive Committee

Board of Directors

Bob Wennberg President

Allen Batchelder Elizabeth Behnke Lydia Johnston David V. Patrick Heather Stearns J. Alvin Stout Sarah Walcutt-Febish

Larry D Patton Ex Officio Carol Myers Vice-President Alix Giannini Secretary Elizabeth Meltz Treasurer

Artistic Team Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director Glenn Priest, Principal Keyboardist

Administrative Team Ellen Rowe, Director of Operations Johnette Cappadona, Director of Community Engagement Trish Ivey, Director of Marketing and Patron Services Alice Byrne, Finance Manager Ellen Schaller, Community Outreach Specialist Zachery Stockman, Production Manager Kaela Coye, Education Support/Chorus Librarian Lori Maxwell, Administrative Assistant Thomas Tryon, Event Manager Betsy Dane, Grants Consultant 4

Thank You ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR FUND BENEFACTOR

SALLY ARTHUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH INITIATIVE FUND BENEFACTOR

CHARLIE ANN & JIM SYPRETT PROFESSIONAL CORE FUND BENEFACTOR

MICHAEL V. CORRIGAN *Of blessed memory STUDENT SCHOLAR LEADERSHIP FUND BENEFACTOR

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY SEASON SPONSOR FUND BENEFACTOR

THE EXCHANGE ORCHESTRAL FUND BENEFACTOR

ERNEST KRETZMER *Of blessed memory

PRESENTING CO-SPONSORS - Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Charlie Ann & Jim Syprett GUEST ARTIST CO-SPONSOR - Gulf Coast Community Foundation GUEST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE SPONSORS - Audrey Robbins & Harry Leopold PRINCIPAL PIANIST SPONSOR - Allen Batchelder

Season Sponsors Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation

Community Outreach Underwriters: Katherine & Frank Martucci, Phil Butler & Nadine Thomas, Don & Pat Clem Season Hospitality Underwriters - Given in appreciation of Maestro Joseph Caulkins: Deborah & Sean Mahony and Larry D Patton 5

Community Partners

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

ORIGINALS

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GREATER SARASOTA GREATER YBOR CITY

RISE OF THE RAYS: A DEVIL OF A STORY WEDU ARTS PLUS

GREATER ST. PETERSBURG 6

THE SARASOTA EXPERIENCE

LAST TO ASK: FIRST RESPONDERS

Maestro Joseph Caulkins Adventurous is a fitting descriptor for Joseph Caulkins. It has been used to describe his reputation for bold programming, world premieres and unique collaborations on the conductor’s podium, to his knack for vibrant storytelling as a freelance writer, to his pursuits as an experienced alpinist.

As a guest conductor, Maestro Caulkins has led The Sarasota Ballet, The Venice Symphony, Space Coast Pops, and The Southwest Florida Symphony where he was also Associate Conductor/Director of Choruses from 2001-2010. Prior to his arrival in Florida, he was Artistic Director/Conductor of the Bach Chamber Choir (Rockford, IL) and directed the St. Procopius Chamber Orchestra and Choirs at Benedictine University (Lisle, IL). With his choruses, Mr. Caulkins has produced numerous CDs, led European concert tours, conducted world and regional premieres and commissioned new works from Dale Warland, Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo among others.

In 2019, Maestro Caulkins received the “Arts Leadership Award for Artistic Achievement” from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County for his many seasons as Artistic Director of Key Chorale. His performances of new and rarely heard works in styles as diverse as masterworks, pops, contemporary, Baroque – even ballet – have become his trademark.

Joseph’s passion for education and community outreach have shaped much of the chorale’s programming and mission during his 17-year tenure.

Joseph’s book “Developing Choral Sound Through the Warm-Up,” 200+ tried and true vocal exercises for solo singers, teachers, conductors and choirs has taken his 30+ years of experience and turned it into a highly regarded resource used by teachers and singers all over the country. It is available through Amazon and on his website.

An experienced alpinist, Mountain Joe has been fortunate to summit many iconic peaks: The Matterhorn (14,692’), Mont Rainier (14,411’), Grand Teton (13,770’), Cathedral Peak (10,911’) in Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows, Canada’s Mount Sir Donald and Bugaboo Spire, and Mont Blanc (15,782’) the highest mountain in the Alps. He’s climbed in the deserts of Zion National Park and Red Rocks Canyon, the snowy volcanoes and steep ridges of Washington’s remote North Cascades, to Colorado’s famous 14ers, and the icy glaciers and snowy pinnacles of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. It is the remoteness, great friendships, sense of accomplishment, solitude, grandeur, and beauty that brings him back to the mountains whenever not on the podium.

For more information, visit www.josephcaulkins.com

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Jamal Sarikoki Conductor, singer, organist, and minister, Jamal Sarikoki can be found wearing any number of hats in a given day. Whether he is found in a sanctuary or performing hall, Jamal strives for excellence in all aspects of his performing. Jamal’s love of music began at age 5, when his mother enrolled him in the violin and viola program at Sherwood Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois.

As a conductor, Jamal received his first conducting position at age 16 and has been conducting ever since. Known for his vocal agility and beautiful legato line, Jamal has sung the operatic roles of Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus and Gianni Schicchi in Gianni Schicchi. As an oratorio singer, Jamal has sung the baritone roles in Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, Bruckner’s Te Deum, Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Creation, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and many other larger works.

Currently, Jamal lives in Chicago, Illinois with his beautiful wife, Genna and their three children. Jamal is the Director of Classic Worship at Christ Church of Oakbrook.

Blake Friedman Blake Friedman has been cited by the New York Times for the “plummy fullness and dusky hue” of his voice and by the New York Classical Review for his voice’s “buttery top.”

Blake’s notable performances include his Carnegie Hall – Stern Auditorium debut singing Anatol in the quintet from Barber’s Vanessa conducted by Leonard Slatkin, his Chicago Opera Theater Debut singing the role of Marc in the World Premiere of Freedom Ride by Dan Shore, and his Chautauqua Opera debut singing the role of Almaviva in both Il Barbiere di Siviglia by Rossini and Ghosts of Versailles by John Corigliano.

On the concert stage, he has performed soloist engagements with New York Choral Society, New York City Ballet, Ensemble for the Romantic Century, Canterbury Choral Society of New York, Key Chorale, Tampa Oratorio Singers, and York Symphony.

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Tatev Baroyan The Armenian American soprano, Tatev Baroyan joined the Metropolitan Opera in the 24-25 season for the Met’s premiere of Golijov’s Ainadamar and made her European debut at the Salzburger Landestheater, creating the role of Iolante in a unique combination of Tchaikovsky’s Iolante and Nutcracker, crafted into an opera-ballet fantasy. She has been invited back in 2026 to sing the role of Tatiana in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin.

During the past season she received the second prize in the Southeast Region of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, the first prize in the Florida District competitions, the second prize in the Vero Beach Rising Stars Competition, the second prize in the Opera at Florham Competition, the Metropolitan Opera National Council South Carolina District, Georgia District, the Premiere Opera Foundation International Vocal Competition, and the Gerda Lissner Vocal Competition and has attended master classes offered by sopranos Erin Morley, Maria Gulegina, and Carol Vaness.

Amy Jo Connours Mezzo Soprano, Amy Jo Connours is a prominent soloist and is active in many of Sarasota’s finest organizations.

She is currently the Alto section leader for Key Chorale, the Alto lead for Choral Artists of Sarasota, and a featured soloist for both Choral Artists and Key Chorale, Sarasota’s symphonic chorus. She is a frequent guest artist for the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota, and has toured through Europe in Spain, Ireland, and Scotland, and the Baltic States. She holds a B.A. in Music from FSU, and also plays viola. An accomplished Oratorio singer, she easily crosses over from Baroque counter tenor sounds to perform heartfelt Gospel and the Blues. Ms. Connours began her career with Mozart’s The Magic Flute and has amassed an eclectic repertoire that features her silky mezzo tones which cross over multiple genres from opera, oratorios and the classics, to jazz and contemporary composers.

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Glenn Priest As an artist Glenn Priest has appeared as concert pianist, organist, choral conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and national conference speaker. Glenn has worked extensively in Tennessee, Ohio, and Florida. He has performed master classes with conductor Leonard Bernstein, composers Aaron Copeland and Norman Dello Joio, and accompanied trumpeter Rolf Smedvig, the Empire Brass Quintet and violinist In-Hong Cha, to mention a few. Glenn graduated Boston University with a BMus and MMus in piano.

While in Boston, he studied piano with Bela Nagy, Anthony di Bonaventura, organ with Douglas Marshall, voice performance and choral conducting with Joseph Huszti and vocal accompanying with Allen Rogers. At age 22, Glenn made his piano debut with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra, performing three seasons. He served as staff in BU’s Young Artists Tanglewood Institute for seven years. He is also an ordained Minister of Music, with course study at Gordon Conwell Seminary. He has several CDs of both choral and keyboard music. Glenn partnered with concert organist Christopher Garven to create their duo-organ and piano concert business entitled Musical Benches.

SEASON 41 BOLD INNOVATIVE TRANSFORMATIVE Thrilling masterworks, world-class guest artists, powerful singing, bold and exciting collaborations, and performances that will move you.

KeyChorale.org • 941.552.8768 2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6 S E A S O N T I C K E T S G O O N S A L E J U LY 2 0 2 5 10

Key Chorale Singers Soprano

Alto

Tenor

Bass

Ella Alley* Sophia Cano* Michelle Caulkins+ Kaela Coye Patti Eastep Lisa Fudge-Schustik Alix Giannini Victoria Guenther Linda Guran Lauren Haggard* Pamela Huelster Stephanie Jabre Skylar Jandula* Jodi Kaupla Deborah Mahony Makenna Mamazza* Reese Martin Charlene McClain Catherine Milne Sandra Montrone Lorraine Murphy Karen Olson Emese Percy Tricia Raiken SiesRavestijn Esther Rivera-Pouls Debbie Rostad+ Ellen Schillay Tara Schroeder* June Sturdy Kei Sulhi Melissa Sullivan McKenna Vogt Hannah Williamson* Nancy Wittner Lily Wohl

Andrea Bearcroft Leanna Briggs Emily Brinks Julie Ciulla Linda Cohn Amy Jo Connours Ann Ferraro+ Kay Fraser Kristin Gehrke Alexandra Guiler* Lydia Johnston Gayle King Lynne Lash Kristin Lee Carmen Letelier Lori Maxwell Cecilia McEnaney Deborah Morris Evelyn Ortega* Marilyn Parry Ellen Rivera Ellen Rowe+ Kristen Stanton Becky Tracy Catherine Vernon Jennifer Weinstein

Blake Biggs+ Hans Brinks Dari Celio+ Don Clem Matthew Crawford* Erick Crow Rick Hayman Matt Jarvis Fred Jones Daniel Michener Linda Quarles Rob Quarles Stephen Remis Zachery Stockman Daniel Tavares Thomas Tryon Caden Vogt* Gabriel Welch+

Allen Batchelder Stuart Bischoff Jon Chabra John Daniels John Habbert Bryce Jandula* Richard Lilley David Loy Stuart Lurie+ Jesse Martin Grant Miller* Leon Miller Larry Patton River Rogers* Jan Rosenbaum Francis Roxby Michael Rubin Troy Samuels John Schweig Kevin Steele+ J. Alvin Stout James Taylor Mark Wagstrom Bob Wennberg+ David Wicentowski Kurt Wiskow

Bold - Section Leader + Core Singer * Student Scholar 11

PRESENTING CO-SPONSORS - Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Charlie Ann & Jim Syprett GUEST ARTIST CO-SPONSOR - Gulf Coast Community Foundation GUEST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE SPONSORS - Audrey Robbins & Harry Leopold PRINCIPAL PIANIST SPONSOR - Allen Batchelder

Saturday, May 10, 2025 • 4 PM Sarasota Opera House

Key Chorale and Orchestra Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director Glenn Priest, Principal Keyboardist

Featuring Tatev Baroyan, Soprano Amy Jo Connours, Mezzo-Soprano Blake Friedman, Tenor Jamal Sarikoki, Baritone Zachery Stockman, Tenor Lily Wohl, Soprano

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Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Choral Fantasy (Fantasia for Piano, Chorus & Orchestra), Op. 80 Glenn Priest, Piano Tatev Baroyan, Lily Wohl, Amy Jo Connours, Blake Friedman, Zachery Stockman & Jamal Sarikoki, Soloists

Founder of Distinction Award Presentation Ann Stephenson-Moe

Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), Op. 27 Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 IV. Presto – Allegro assai – Allegro assai vivace Tatev Baroyan, Amy Jo Connours, Blake Friedman & Jamal Sarikoki, Soloists 85 minutes, performed without intermission

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Orchestra Violin 1

Clarinet

Daniel Jordan Michael Turkell Katherine Baloff Leah Latorraca Sean O’Neil

Bharat Chandra Daniel Parrette

Violin 2 Jennifer Best Takeda Meghan Jones Anne Chandra Sangeun Han Marcus Ratzenboeck

Viola Stephanie Block Nathan Frantz Peter Ayuso Paul Reynolds

Cello Christopher Schnell Nadine Trudel Vivian Chang

Bass Gil Katz Amy Nickler

Flute Allison DeFrancesco Carmen Bannon Deena Reedy

Oboe Bobby Nunes Nick Arbolino

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Bassoon Eddie Rumzis Alexander Onieal Scott Radloff

Horn Josh Horne Melvin Jackson Hugo Bliss Shea Kells-Murphy

Trumpet Morgen Low Alan Evans

Trombone Brad Williams Casey Maday Chris Lundquist

Timpani Matthew Kibort

Percussion Marcelina Suchocka Hanna Kim George Nickson

Music Librarian Paul Greitzer

Text & Translations Choral Fantasy Schmeichelnd hold und lieblich klingen unsres Lebens Harmonien, und dem Schönheitssinn entschwingen Blumen sich, die ewig blühn.

Fried und Freude gleiten freundlich wie der Wellen Wechselspiel.

Was sich drängte rauh und feindlich, ordnet sich zu Hochgefühl.

With grace, charm and sweet sounds the harmonies of our life, and the sense of beauty engenders the flowers which eternally bloom.

Peace and joy advancing in perfect accord, like the alternating play of the waves; all harsh and hostile elements render to a sublime sentiment.

Wenn der Töne Zauber walten und des Wortes Weihe spricht, muss sich Herrliches gestalten, Nacht und Stürme warden Licht. Äuss’re Ruhe, inn’re Wonne herrschen für den Glücklichen.

Doch der Künste Frühlingssone lässt aus beiden Licht entstehn.

When the magic sounds reign and the sacred word is spoken, that strongly engender the wonderful, the night and the tempest divert light.

Calm without, profound joy within, awaiting the great hour.

Meanwhile, the spring sun and art bathe in the light.

Großes, das ins Herz gedrungen, blüht dann neu und schön empor.

Hat ein Geist sich aufgeschwungen, hallt ihm stets ein Geisterchor.

Nehmt denn hin, ihr schönen Seelen, froh die Gaben schöner Kunst: Wenn sich Lieb und Kraft vermählen, lohnt den Menschen Göttergunst.

Greatness pressed into the heart then blooms forth, new and lovely; when a spirit soars aloft a chorus of spirits resounds forever to it.

Then, ye lovely souls, accept with gladness the gifts of beautiful art.

When love and strength unite, divine grace rewards mankind.

Beethoven’s Ode to Joy Concert Survey Please take 5 minutes to complete a survey regarding the performance.

The survey information is part of our grant requirements for the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Grant that funds, in part, our season of performances.

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Text & Translations

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Meeresstille

Calm sea

Tiefe Stille herrscht im Wasser, Ohne Regung ruht das Meer, Und bekümmert sieht der Schiffer Glatte Fläche rings umher.

Keine Luft von keiner Seite!

Todesstille fürchterlich!

In der ungeheuern Weite Reget keine Welle sich.

Deep stillness rules the water Without motion lies the sea, And worried the sailor observes Smooth surfaces all around.

No air from any side!

Deathly, terrible stillness!

In the immense distances Not a single wave stirs.

Glückliche Fahrt

Prosperous Voyage

Die Nebel zerreißen, [Der Himmel ist]1 helle Und Aeolus löset Das ängstliche Band.

Es säuseln die Winde, Es rührt sich der Schiffer.

Geschwinde! Geschwinde!

Es theilt sich die Welle, Es naht sich die Ferne, Schon seh’ ich das Land!

The fog is torn, The sky is bright, And Aeolus releases The fearful bindings.

The winds whisper, The sailor begins to move.

Swiftly! Swiftly!

The waves divide, The distance nears; Already I see land!

Text & Translations Beethoven O Freunde, nicht diese Töne!

Sondern laßt uns angenehmere anstimmen, und freudenvollere.

Freude, schöner Götterfunken Tochter aus Elysium, Wir betreten feuertrunken, Himmlische, dein Heiligtum!

Deine Zauber binden wieder Was die Mode streng geteilt; Alle Menschen werden Brüder, Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.

O friends, no more of these sounds!

Let us sing more cheerful songs, More songs full of joy!

Joy, bright spark of divinity, Daughter of Elysium, Fire-inspired we tread Within thy sanctuary.

Thy magic power re-unites All that custom has divided, All men become brothers, Under the sway of thy gentle wings.

Wem der große Wurf gelungen, Eines Freundes Freund zu sein; Wer ein holdes Weib errungen, Mische seinen Jubel ein!

Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele Sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund!

Und wer’s nie gekonnt, der stehle Weinend sich aus diesem Bund!

Whoever has created An abiding friendship, Or has won A true and loving wife, All who can call at least one soul theirs, Join our song of praise; But those who cannot must creep tearfully Away from our circle.

Freude trinken alle Wesen An den Brüsten der Natur; Alle Guten, alle Bösen Folgen ihrer Rosenspur.

Küsse gab sie uns und Reben, Einen Freund, geprüft im Tod; Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben, Und der Cherub steht vor Gott.

All creatures drink of joy At natures breast.

Just and unjust Alike taste of her gift; She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine, A tried friend to the end.

Even the worm can feel contentment, And the cherub stands before God!

Froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegen Durch des Himmels prächt’gen Plan, Laufet, Brüder, eure Bahn, Freudig, wie ein Held zum Siegen.

Gladly, like the heavenly bodies Which He set on their courses through the splendor of the firmament; Thus, brothers, you should run your race, Like a hero going to victory!

Seid umschlungen, Millionen!

Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt!

Brüder, über’m Sternenzelt Muß ein lieber Vater wohnen.

Ihr stürzt nieder, Millionen?

Ahnest du den Schöpfer, Welt?

Such’ ihn über’m Sternenzelt! Über Sternen muß er wohnen.

You millions, I embrace you.

This kiss is for all the world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy There must dwell a loving father.

Do you fall in worship, you millions?

World, do you know your creator?

Seek Him in the heavens; Above the stars must he dwell.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Johnette Cappadona, Director of Community Engagement, at 941.921.4845 or johnette.cappadona@keychorale.org

Beethoven Ninth Symphony and Choral Fantasy Program Notes

By Lynne Woodman The Choral Fantasy is often called a precursor to the Ninth Symphony. But the two pieces are more like siblings.

The musical themes are very similar; but more importantly, there are vital affinities in the texts. The theme of the Choral Fantasy text – universal brotherhood meeting with the arts – evokes the same images as the “Ode to Joy” text.

The work includes a sequence of variations on a theme that is widely felt to be an early version of a far better known variation theme, namely the one to which Beethoven set the words of Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy” in his Ninth Symphony.

The two themes are compared below.

Choral Fantasy

Ninth Symphony

Beethoven himself acknowledged the kinship of the two works. When he was writing the Ninth Symphony, he described his project as “a setting of the words of Schiller’s immortal ‘Lied an die Freude’ in the same way as my pianoforte fantasia with chorus, but on a far grander scale.”

The Fantasia was first performed at the Akademie of 22 December 1808, a benefit concert which also saw the premieres of the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies and the Fourth Piano Concerto as well as a performance of excerpts of the Mass in C major. (!!)

To conclude this memorable concert program, Beethoven wanted a “brilliant finale” that would unite in a single piece the different musical elements highlighted in the concert night: piano solo, mixed chorus and orchestra. The Fantasia, Op. 80, written shortly before, was thus composed expressly to fulfill this role. Beethoven played the piano part and the opening solo offers an example of his talent.

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When Beethoven premiered his final full symphony – his ninth – he could see the performance of this groundbreaking work. But he couldn’t hear it: by that time, he was totally deaf. He could only listen to it in his head.

Ninth Symphony

Even people who don’t know classical music know the “Ode to Joy” hymn of the final movement.

Why is the Ninth Symphony important?

It’s the first choral symphony. The final movement uses both soloists and a chorus, which prepares the way for future compositions that would combine instruments and vocals. Until this piece, those were absent.

It breaks away from traditional symphony structures.

Beethoven’s orchestration is particularly innovative, using a large orchestra with unusual and powerful sound combinations. It’s longer and more complex than previous symphonies, pushing the boundaries of what a symphony could be.

Symbolism

The final movement, with its setting of Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” became a symbol of unity, joy, and brotherhood, resonating deeply with audiences and inspiring generations.

“Ode to Joy” has been the official anthem of the European Union since 1985.

According to the European Union, the anthem is meant to symbolize the “European ideals of freedom, peace, and solidarity.” None of the original German words are used in the anthem—only the melody—so that the listener can experience the “universal language of music.”

When the Berlin Wall Fell

Hundreds of orchestra musicians and even more hundreds of singers — all unpaid volunteers — dropped everything and went to the wall. They knew that the Ninth would have to be performed there, and they wanted to be part of it. Leonard Bernstein was on a plane over the Atlantic, to conduct.

Key Chorale is delighted to present these exceptional works to you.

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Enriching lives through 24

The Observer proudly supports Key Chorale.

As the Suncoast's premier symphonic chorus, they transform lives through artistic excellence and community service. Join us in celebrating the power of music and enriching our community, one note at a time.

Key Chorale Donors As of April 22, 2025

$20,000 and Up Sally Arthur Community Foundation of Sarasota County Michael V. Corrigan* The Exchange Sarasota County Tourist Development Council Charlie Ann and Jim Syprett

$10,000 to $19,999 ACM Lifting Lives Deborah and Walton Beacham Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation Gulf Coast Community Foundation Ernest Kretzmer*

Harry Leopold and Audrey Robbins Debby and Sean Mahony Frank and Katherine Martucci Charlotte and Charles Perret Phil Butler and Nadine Thomas

$5,000 to $9,999 Capstan Financial Consulting Group Barbara Heistand+ Huisking Foundation Isermann Family Foundation Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth

Larry D Patton+ Clyde Reed+ Richard and Ellen Sandor Robert Wennberg+

$1,000 to $4,999 Anonymous Allen J. Batchelder Elizabeth Behnke+ James Olson and Alice Byrne Bonnie Caplan+ Joseph and Michelle Caulkins+ Warren and Marie Colbert Patrick Francis Cosgrove Rose Dalsandro John Daniels and JB Miller Josephine Franz and Russ Gill+ Patricia Golemme Peter and Francine Gray+ Alexandra, Jamal and Crystal Guiller Brice Jones Richard Johnson and Deborah Kalb

Marcia and Michael Klein Sherry and Tom Koski Peter E. Kretzmer & Melody D. Genson Diana Lager Richard Lilley and Carmen Letelier Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Bill McComb Beth Rockefeller Meltz Marie Monsky and Marvin Kadesh Bill and Sandra Montrone+ Sandy Moon Lee Holden and Lorraine Murphy Carol Myers Priscilla Nugent Karen Olson Gini and Stu Peltz 25

$1,000 to $4,999 continued Patricia and David Raiken+ Steve and Marty Remis Frank Roxby+ Carolyn Schroeder Semrod Family Foundation Jeffrey and Marion Shields

Beatrice Shipley Joseph and Regina Smith+ Paul and Sharon Steinwachs Alvin Stout and Jeff Ryder+ Janis and Skip Swan Pauline Wamsler

$500 to $999 Colonel John and Gail Alexander George Allison and Alan Watkins Jennifer Campbell David Chivas and Ron Rice Don and Pat Clem+ Doug and Amy Jo Connours Rob Heeren+ Penny Hill Lydia Johnston+ Nancy Lowden Jones Robert G. Jones Mary Joseph Rita J. Thibault and Gary Kirschner Barbara Liggett Robert and Fredrica Lindsay Kate Lorenz Gerda Maceikonis Gretchen E. Mason Cornelia Matson

Cynthia Miller Barbara and Bill Monson Joel and Beverly Morrison Judith Nofs Susan Palmer Roger Parent Debbie Partridge Bill and Judy Plerhoples Glenn Priest Esther Rivera-Pouls Heather Roberts Ellen Rowe+ Jeff Ryder Cynthia Sand Ellen Schaller and Lesley Conzelman+ James and Lavonne Shedivy+ Thomas Tryon and David Patrick+ Susie Walters Irene Schrauth-Wilson+

$250 to $499 Alexander Addona+ Peggy Allen and Steve Dixon+ Susan Anderson+ Richard Beebe+ Kyle and Marge Bevers Hans and Emily Brinks Sophia and Andrea Cano Julie Sumpf and Vincent Ciulla Marjorie A. Floyd Paul Frederick Alix Giannini+ Rita Greenbaum Teri Hansen 26

Rick Hayman+ Pamela A. Huelster+ Reginald Irvine Dolly Jacobs Tim Karau Irene Kauffman+ William Kraus Lynne Lash+ Pam and Art Mahoney Claudette Mayer Cecilia McEnaney Joel Meltz Mary Ann Meyer

$250 to $499 continued Pedro Reis Margaret Romanes Pete and Debbie Rostad Dr. Jack and Nancy Rozance Richard Russell Don and Jane Schriver Lisa and Bill Schustik+ Mark Slivka SRQ Special Projects, LLC+

Kristen and Scott Stanton Joanne Steiner+ Ann Stephenson-Moe Adrienne Tittle+ Tom Taylor Bill and Rebecca Tomkins Tanya and Arne Vogt Kim Wheeler Nancy Zarowin

$50 to $249 Anonymous Ella, Eric and Jillian Alley Sandra Alwardt Lynne Anast Genevieve Beauchamp Robert Beligotti+ Judith Bell Michael Bille Stu and Cindy Bischoff Ken Brinker Michael Brooks Dorothea H. Brown Lynn Burgess William and Debra Buttaggi Miss Nancy Cadieux Susan and James Catlette Sarah Chaffee William Christopher Robert Coates Linda Cohn Linda Conti Diana Correa Lorin Daniluck Debra Dannheisser Stevan Diklich Nancy and Ken Doise+ Patricia Eastep Bruce Ensinger and Clark Denham Jane Epstein Judy Farmer Ann Ferraro Amy Ferrell Miss Jean Finks

Cynthia Flacks Marge Flynn and Bob Metzger Chip Gaylor Kristin Gehrke Gana Gilkey Michael Gilkey Renée Gilmore Ms. Gail Glamm Eugenia Glasser Patricia Glunt Victoria T. Guenther Linda Guran Helen and John Habbert James Haggard Lauren Haggard Jeanne Marie Hamil Harold Harkins+ Nancy Harkinson Joan and David Hawk Jennifer Holtzman Judith Hunter+ Mark Lee Taylor and Steve Alan Hyman Trish and David Ivey Dr. Pamela J. Letts+ Debra Jacobs Brett and Sommer Jandula Karen Johnston Frederick Jones Carl Jordan Dan Jordan and CY Hong Steven Richard Kalt Matt Kane Doug Kapp 27

$50 to $249 continued Jodi Lynn Kaupla Elizabeth Kimberly Jeffery Kin Gayle King Connie Knapp Carla and TK Kortendick Mary Ellen Krautter Thomas Kubik Carol Lackey Julie and Brock Leach Bruce Lehman Mark-Alan Lillibridge Stuart Lurie Judy Lutes Stephen Lynerd Sybil MacBeth Joseph Mallof Makenna Mamazza Rob Masserini Faye Maxwell Lori Maxwell Matthew B. Mayper Charlene McClain Mary McEnery Susan K. McGivern Jennifer Meltz Jonathan Meltz Daniel Michner Leon Miller Beckie Miller Jorge Morfin+ Bobette Morgan Hester Mulak Letitia Murphy Connie Nelson Katherine and John Nelson Kent Noel Nancy Yost Olson Joanna Pace Jacqueline Partin Emese Percy

Robert and Linda Quarles Sies Ravestijn+ Kristen Mary Read Ken Rear Mr. Gary Remmen Jan H. Rosenbaum Alexis Rosenberg Margaretta Rower Jan Rubinstein Josh Ingojo and Sue Rupp+ Linda Ruppert Sarasota Manatee Alumnae Chapter SAI Paola Scalabrin Gail Schimel+ Maxine R. Sclar and Robert J. Yamartino Kevin Shank Phyllis Siskel Michelle Smith Bill and Janet Smith Lucinda Spaney Martin Joseph Spinelli Heather Stearns Camille Stephens+ Zachery Stockman Melinda Sutter+ Barbara Tagg Marcia Jean Taub Fund Daniel Tavares Lora and Sig Tobias Diane Jean Tufaro Sandra Vanlangen Catherine and Dave Vernon Sarah Walcutt-Febish Joseph and Cat Waldron+ Bob and Diane Walls Jennifer Weinstein+ Gabriel Welch Martha Wells Karen White David Wicentowski John Zokovitch

+ Igniting Our Future - 2025 Spring Campaign Donor *Of Blessed Memory 28

In Memory of Susan Brainerd William and Debra Buttaggi William Kraus

In Honor of Dennis Brett Jane Epstein

In Honor of Peter Gray Marge Flynn and Bob Metzger

In Memory of Ralph Karau Tim Karau

In Memory of Sylvia Kaufman Claudette Mayer

In Memory of Rae Jean McCall Larry D Patton

In Memory of Richard Raatz Kyle and Marge Bevers

In Honor of Debbie Rostad Camille Stephens

In Memory of Kay Semrod Semrod Family Foundation

SEASON 41 BECOME A SPONSOR! Key Chorale’s success relies largely upon the generosity and support of our donors, sponsors, community partners, foundations, local businesses, and YOU! There are many ways to give to Key Chorale. Every gift is appreciated and contributes to our success now and in the future.

For more information about becoming a Presenting Sponsor, Guest Artist Sponsor, and more please contact Johnette Cappadona, Director of Community Engagement at 941-921-4845 or development@key.chorale.org.

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“Exceptional carpets for those who refuse to compromise” 16 SOUTH PALM AVE Downtown Sarasota 30

(941) 951-5454 arttowalkon.com

INVESTING IN THE ARTS PAINTS A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR OUR REGION. Made possible through the Samuel J. and Susan A. Campbell Charitable Fund. venice 941.486.4600 | gulfcoastcf.org | sarasota 941.777.1270

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NAMED THE 2024 MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR BY THE FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

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2024-2025 Performance Season

SCFMusic App

scf.edu/music The SCF Music program presents many concerts each year, enriching the community at affordable ticket prices. If you would like to know about upcoming events, download the SCFMusic app or visit scf.edu/calendar

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For tickets and information, call or visit our website tel. 941.207.8822

thevenicesymphony.org

The Venice Institute for Performing Arts (VIPA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation; all donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by state and federal law and 100% of such support is applied to VIPA’s operations. A copy of the official state registration (CH49263) and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free at 1- 800-435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. VIPA Tax ID#: 81-1190704.

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THANKS TO YOU...

The Exchange is a proud supporter of Key Chorale

This p helped urchase suppor 2024/2 t the 025 Key Ch orale s eason.

DONATE SHOP CONSIGN VOLUNTEER

 The joy of shopping  The joy of giving  The joy of recycling  The joy of supporting students and the arts in our community www.sarasotawex.com AVE www.sarasotawex.com 539 539 S. S. ORANGE AVE 941-955-7859 MON-FRI MON-FRI9-4 9-4 && SAT SAT 10-4 941-955-7859 10-4 35

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