Basking in Post-Beethoven Bliss

Check out Ludwig’s expression. As the O’ahu Choral Society’s conductor noted in his remarks right before the concert last Sunday, Mr. B looks anything but joyful.

But what a joy to sing with HSO and OCS and four phenomenal soloists. Yes, we did the 9th on the 9th, part of Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra’s 2024-2025 Beethoven Festival. I can personally attest to how hard the chorus worked to prepare for this performance, and from what I heard from audience members afterward, it was all worth it because we sounded great. So did the Symphony, and all of the soloists as well.

Besides just the sheer beauty of this groundbreaking musical work, considered by many to be the greatest symphony ever written, it was special to me for a number of reasons. First, this was only the second time I’ve done this piece since I was with the San Francisco Symphony Chorus. That was my first B9, and also the first for Josh, who is now our OCS conductor (back then he was just another tenor in the chorus). By now, Josh has participated in — and eventually conducted — dozens of performances, including doing an outstanding job of prepping OCS for Sunday’s performance.

Then, after the concert, the HSO hosted a reception for all performers (instrumentalists and vocalists alike), staff and select supporters. Chorus members were encouraged to participate in appreciation of this rather unusual and unexpected offer of hospitality and expression of unity.

In a brief yet poignant speech, Dane, the HSO conductor, wondered what Beethoven would have thought, seeing his masterpiece being performed by such diverse players on this remote exotic island in the Pacific.  Being that the theme of his work was universal brotherhood, Dane supposed Beethoven would have approved, and I was touched by the immediate relevancy of that astute observation. Looking around the room, I saw others nodding in agreement, applauding, or in the case of Dane’s wife, Sofia, openly sobbing.

But I got it. I completely understand. As I had watched the acknowledgements at the end of the performance, I thought to myself that if it was me out there placing leis around those necks, I too would probably have been helplessly overcome with emotion. We had all just shared in this incredible celebration of music that was written specifically to impart a universal message of hope and unity to all of mankind, repeating over and over the phrase “Alle Menschen werden Brüder” (all men shall become brothers).

The message is one of resounding hope for humanity, which is sorely needed these days, right? And for me, it was an especially relevant opportunity to share in this vision. One of the main reasons I joined OCS was because I missed getting together with others who appreciate great music and who are committed enough to invest the time and effort it takes to pull off performances like Sunday’s.

More specifically, OCS is where I am meeting and getting to know people who live here, in Hawai’i, in this place I’ve chosen to call home. Being a part of Sunday’s performance was a profoundly affirming experience on many levels, and right now I just want to bask in that glow while I can.

Then, on to more…