Magnificant Performance
by Mike on 9/16/25DeVos Performance Hall - Grand RapidsRating: 5 out of 5This is my 3rd time attending a performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. This time I brought my 2 daugthers and 3 of my oldest grandchildren. We sat front row center at the Saturday night performance.
We were absolutely blown away! 2 of my grandchildren had never attended the symphony before, and they were as thrilled as I was. The youngest grandchild attended the GRSO earlier this year to see the performance of Pictures at an Exhibition. But she was not prepared for the intensity and beauty of the 9th!
The soloists were amazing! And sitting that close, I was not prepared for the play of the string section! Many of the notes played required plucking the strings with fingers instead of using the bow. That was a joy to watch from up close!
Overall, I give high marks to the orchestra, the chior, and conductor! GRSO may not have the resources of the Chicago or New York orchestras, but GRSO stacks up with the best of them!
I hope that I have encouraged my grandchildren with a love of the symphony and that they will return on their own. If their reaction to this performance was an indication, they will return.
Keep up the great work!