Artscene Becoming Beethoven Masterworks of Oakville performs Symphony No. 9 By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF · FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009 29 the program. "Sales are going well and there's a lot of interest," he said. "After all, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 changed the course of Masterworks of Oakville Chorus and music history." Orchestra is starting off its season with a The work has an inspiring tale behind it performance of what is likely the most as it was written by a deaf composer. famous piece of music in the world. Beethoven started losing his hearing in The group is tackling Beethoven's 1798. The impact was devastating on the Symphony No. 9 for the first time in its hisproud man. By 1814, he was totally deaf and tory. Rounding out the program is had withdrawn almost completely from Schubert's Mass in G. society. The most enthusiastic person about the Symphony No. 9 was written in 1824, upcoming performances next Friday and proving to any that doubted him that he Saturday is likely Charles Demuynck, artiswas indeed a musical tic director and conducgenius. "It is an absolute joy to tor. "To think the guy who conduct this piece (Symphony "Everyone is excited wrote it was deaf is about this concert, but no No. 9 ), which is all about amazing," Demuynck one more than me," he joy." said. said. "It is an absolute joy The work marked a to conduct this piece, Charles Demuynck turning point in musical which is all about joy." Artistic director history, as it was the first Demuynck has Masterworks of Oakville symphony to include a amassed a choir of 67 and chorus. The voices enter an orchestra of 40 for the in the fourth movement, performance. singing the text of Ode to Joy by German The extra instrumentalists needed to poet Friedrich von Schiller. round out the orchestra were able to be The work was immensely popular at its hired thanks to extra funding the group debut and has remained in the public spotreceived last year to the tune of $37,000 light throughout the passing years. from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. "I think the thing I like about it the best Ticket sales are already going well for the is how it works on all levels -- it's been in a event, which is being held at St. Andrew's milk commercial, used in The Clockwork Catholic Church. Demuynck recommends Orange, it's a hymn tune that people have PHOTOS BY ERIC RIEHL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER people buy their tickets in advance and sung in church since it has been composed, arrive early to ensure good seating. so it works for everybody," said Demuynck. MASTERING A MASTERWORK: Masterworks of Oakville busily prepares for its upcoming He said he is not surprised the concerts concerts. From top, clockwise, Charles Demuynck leads the chorus, Ron Tidy and the tenor section wait See Schubert page 35 are getting this much attention considering for their entry, while alto Carole Daniels keeps a close eye on the conductor's baton.