The ASO’s 2021-2022 season launches with a joyful noise as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (Ode to Joy) is presented in collaboration with the Alexandria Choral Society led by Artistic Director Brian Isaac. Soloists Dara Rahming, Marquita Raley-Cooper, Rodrick Dixon and Daniel Rich appear courtesy of the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA). Beethoven’s greatest masterpiece will be set to a new English text by former U.S. poet laureate and Pulitzer prize-winner Tracy K. Smith. The program will open with Bruckner’s Benedictus from Mass No. 3. Note: the concert will be presented with no intermission. Masks are strongly recommended for non-vaccinated attendees by the CDC, our concert venues and the ASO. For information based on current health guidelines, please visit our website prior to each concert. Event title: BEETHOVEN’S NINTH Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 3, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center 4915 E Campus Dr, Alexandria, VA 22311 Adult tickets $20-$85, $5 youth, $15 student (with ID) Ticket link: https://alexsym.org/performance/beethovenninth/