To mark two weeks of war in Ukraine RNZ Concert joins radio stations around the world in broadcasting Beethoven's 9th Symphony, including the 'Ode to Joy', in support of all those affected by this action.
We chose the NZSO and Voices NZ under the baton of Edo de Waart. You can listen to this performance at anytime by clicking below.
Photo: EBU
The Ode to Joy
Beethoven’s Symphony No 9, his famous ‘Choral’ symphony with its exuberant Ode to Joy has become an anthem of humanity itself –an invitation to come together in joy and love. Today, the Ode to Joy is the anthem of the European Union and the sound of Hogmanay and New Year celebrations everywhere from Germany to Japan.
The symphony was famously performed by players from Germany, France, Britain, Russia and American on Christmas Day 1989 at the Brandeburg Gate to mark the fall of the Berlin Wall. An ‘Ode to Freedom’ on this occasion with the word “Freude” joy, replaced by “Freiheit” freedom.
An ode to peace
The Ode to Peace is an initiative of the European Broadcaster's Union. A total of 56 radio channels covering many time zones in 32 countries will each share a favourite version of the classic work with their audiences in support of all those people affected by the action in Ukraine. #OdeToPeace
