This Week in Classical Picks: Beethoven's 9th

We all have heard Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (in D minor, Op. 125 "Choral"), mostly in sound bytes, mostly the 'Ode to Joy' theme. But have you really heard it? Have you sat through the whole thing sucking in the craziness? Have you been there live? Have you? Have you? Simply put, it's simply amazing. This is rock and roll folks.

Beethoven's 9th!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007, 8:00 PM
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Avenue
Hollywood, CA
(323) 850-2000

Speaking of the Hollywood Bowl...

Today, the LA Phil announced in a press release that a new Artistic Administrator has been hired who will be responsible for the oversight and coordination of Los Angeles Philharmonic classical programming at the Hollywood Bowl as well as planning a number of Philharmonic series in Walt Disney Concert Hall, including the Green Umbrella new music series, chamber music, and education.

Helane Anderson, from music publisher Boosey & Hawkes, Inc., is replacing John Mangum, who recently accepted the Vice President of Artistic Planning position with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in St. Paul, MN.

Photo of a statue of Beethoven in Pershing Square by Clinton Steeds via Flickr