Beethoven’s 9th at Brenau’s Pearce Auditorium

GAINESVILLE - More than 160 voices were a part of the Gainesville Symphony Orchastra's (GSO) performance of Beethoven's 9th at Brenau University Saturday night.

The Lanier Chamber Singers, North Georgia College & State University singers and Le Belle Voci singers all joined the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra (GSO) to perform the final movement in Beethoven’s 9th. More than 700 tickets were sold for the concert which was held at Brenau's Pearce Auditorium.

North Georgia College & State University Senior Tommy Jackson sang in the event. Jackson said, “You rarely get and opportunity to come together and sing with over 160 other singers. And our director is pretty excited about it.”

President of the GSO Board of Directors, David Kennedy reminded audience members he appreciates all the support. Kennedy said, “ Gainesville Symphony is a professional symphony and we couldn’t survive without ticket sales.”

The night’s conductor for the concert was Dr. Gregory Pritchard, GSO’s Music Director.

According to Prichard it was not the most challenging piece he has had to conduct but it did take time and coordination.

Prichard said, “It was a major undertaking because of the large collaboration, just coordinating all of that was a large event.”

Prichard began the evening explaining the different movements of the symphony and even having the orchestra play portions of the music to support his explanation. “I always like to have an educational component and in some way allow everyone to have a positive experience. Especially for a first- time listener.”

Truett-McConnell College Sophomore Melissa Gonzalez shared that she was invited to the event by her boyfriend. He attends Gainesville State College. Gonzalez said, “I came to the symphony to listen to some diversity.”