<h1><strong>Beethoven’s Ninth – Some Things Get Even Better with Age</strong><strong> </strong></h1>
Even today Ludwig van Beethoven is still the superstar of composers – he’s a global artist whose name needs no introduction. He was born in Vienna in 1770, meaning 2020 is the 250<sup>th</sup> anniversary of his birth. As you would imagine, the world is getting ready to celebrate and honour this remarkable occasion.

Beethoven’s music is played more than any other composer and his Ninth Symphony more often than any other piece; it also appears on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.  As well as being a visionary he was passionate and bold.   Beethoven was almost totally deaf when he composed his Ninth Symphony and when it was first performed it received jubilant applause and standing ovations!

Mid Sussex Sinfonia and Coro Nuovo are delighted to be joining forces to perform Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on 22 February at 3.00 pm at the Kings Centre, Burgess Hill. As well as a full orchestra and choir, international soloists Joanna Appleby (soprano), Mae Heydorn (mezzo), Andrew Rees (tenor) and Riccardo Simonetti (bass) will be performing in the iconic final movement:

<strong>Joanna Appleby (soprano</strong><strong>)</strong> Operatic soprano and classical crossover recording artist Jo Appleby has performed at all the major concert venues across the UK and has graced the stage in over 30 countries world-wide. The powerful beauty of her voice and her beguiling stage presence make her a compelling and unique performer.

<strong>Mae Heydorn (mezzo) </strong>Mae Heydorn is a native German and Swedish speaker.  Acclaimed as a mezzo-alto the amplitude of her timbre has won her many competitions and prizes as well as giving her the advantage of singing many lead roles.  Mae is at home singing chamber music as well as a contemporary repertoire.

<strong>Andrew Rees (tenor)  </strong>Welsh tenor Andrew Rees is well known locally and together with his wife Jo Appleby they are often performing in Sussex and beyond.  Andrew was principal tenor at Glyndebourne and has performed all over the UK and internationally.  His most recent performance was at Carnegie Hall, New York with Jonas Kaufmann.

<strong>Riccardo Simonetti (bass) </strong>Riccardo is much in demand as a bass-baritone.  He is a frequent performer at Glyndebourne, Opera North, Welsh National Opera and Scottish Opera.  He has made many operatic recordings including Macbeth with Edward Gardner and Donizetti with Mark Elder.

We do hope as many as possible will come and join us to celebrate this unique event.

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20 January 2020

Ticket information:  <a href="http://www.coronuovo.org.uk/tickets">www.coronuovo.org.uk/tickets</a> | 01444 717320 | <a href="mailto:tickets@coronuovo.org.uk">tickets@coronuovo.org.uk</a> | Help Point, Church Walk, Burgess Hill.

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