The Ninth Ukrainian National Opera

Is there any symphony that makes one feel the power of music as much as Beethoven's "Ninth"? This music has an allure that attracts people. There is something in it that transcends the emotions that we do not encounter in our daily lives. Beethoven was a great admirer of the works of Schiller, a German poet and thinker. Schiller's works are rooted in an indomitable spirit of freedom. It took about 30 years from the time Beethoven came up with the idea of setting Schiller's poem, "On the Joyous Occasion," to the time he completed it. Beethoven lost his hearing despite being a composer. The music is a shining hope out of darkness and chaos, and a sublime "love for mankind" created by a genius in agony who accepted his destiny. The first words sung by the bass in the fourth movement were written by Beethoven, not Schiller. "Oh friends, not like this! Then begins a solo rendition of Schiller's poem, which is eventually passed on to the choir and soloists. All men are brothers", "Embrace each other, millions of men". The "Song of Joy" is a majestic and dramatic call for freedom, equality, peace, and fraternity. It will give us the strength to rise up and hope for tomorrow.
　The Ukrainian National Opera will celebrate its 155th anniversary in the 2022-23 season. This special "Ninth" will feature a stately orchestra, chorus, and soloists who support the tradition. The orchestra, chorus, and soloists will be performing the Ninth, a special performance that will be presented by the National Opera of Ukraine, which is coming to Japan with a strong desire to maintain its stance as an artist and performer despite the difficulties it faces.