Few pieces of Western music have been as beloved as much as Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, which first premiered in 1824. Yet, 190 years later we still debate its meaning. It is Beethoven’s only vocal symphony and it is also his last.  It is big and loud and “wildly unstable.”  It projects a sense of calm then turns recklessly loud, and yet makes the audience feel triumphant at its closing. Some believe it was a political statement against European governments. Other

About 20 members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) arranged a flash mob inside Ikea on Jan. 12, 2016 to promote their new Neighborhood Concert Series in Canton. Shoppers gathered around, many taking photos and videos with their smartphones, as the DSO brightened up the wintery day with Beethoven’s “ Ode to Jöy.” Gabrielle Poshadlo, DSO Communications and Public Relations Manager said the idea came while brainstorming ways to promote the new Canton concert series.   “We

Perhaps no other composer’s health has been dissected as much as Ludwig van Beethoven. He continued producing great works of music...