Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy
6:30PM – FREE PRE-CONCERT TALK! Join us in the Performance Hall to learn more about the program.
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus, directed by Nicholas Quardokus, will join the CSO and talented soloists for this uplifting season finale concert weekend. Haydn’s “London” Symphony and Dvořák’s Te Deum are also included in the roster of music from renowned composers.
Antonín Dvořák was no stranger to writing sacred works for orchestra. His Te Deum cantata, however, sounds more influenced by opera and Czech folk melodies than anything else. In his “Choral Fantasy,” Beethoven hinted at the famous “Ode to Joy” theme of his Ninth Symphony, which was composed 16 years later. Building on common Beethoven-beloved themes of goodwill, joy, and brotherhood, the “Choral Fantasy” was based on a poem by German writer Friedrich Schiller. It is, in large part, a creative and virtuosic solo piano piece, along with a stunning chorus-charged grand finale.
MORE ON THE MUSIC & ARTISTS:
- The Hartford Courant described pianist Daniela Liebman’s performance as “…demonstrating maturity, sensitivity and graceful virtuosity throughout.”
- Citadel graduate, Morris Robinson is a GRAMMY® Award-winning bass, featured on recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 (“Symphony of a Thousand”) with the Los Angeles Philharmonic led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
- To show her support of Charleston, Daniela Liebman was in the audience for the CSO’s debut concert at Carnegie Hall on February 26, 2025!
PROGRAM
Charlton Singleton (b. 1971)
The Gathering
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Symphony No. 104 in D major “London”
INTERMISSION
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Te Deum, Op. 103, B. 176
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Fantasia for Piano, Chorus, and Orchestra, Op. 80 “Choral Fantasy”
ARTISTS
Carlos Izcaray, Conductor
Daniela Liebman, Piano
Laquita Mitchell, Soprano
Morris Robinson, Bass
Saundra DeAthos, Soprano
Meleana Cabales, Alto
Edward Brennan, Tenor
Timothy McGowan, Tenor
CSO Chorus (Nicholas Quardokus, Director)
Charleston Men’s Chorus (Ricard Bordas, Director)
College of Charleston Concert Choir (Emily Bohl, Director)
Supporting Sponsor:
