Music lovers are in for a treat as the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra presents “A Joyous Sound” at 7:30 p.m. May 16 at The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature a blend of new music and one of the most celebrated symphonies ever written, according to a community announcement.
Under the direction of Yaniv Dinur, the program is expected to explore striking contrasts in sound and style, while highlighting a shared sense of humanity and expression.
The evening will open with Pedro da Silva’s “Concerto for Portuguese Guitar and Orchestra,” performed by the composer himself. Da Silva, a New Bedford native now based in New York City, will return home with what is being billed as the first concerto ever written for Portuguese guitar and orchestra. The piece is expected to blend classical form with Iberian color, improvisation, and global rhythms, introducing a distinctive and deeply expressive sound to the symphonic stage.
The program will continue with Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” a work of extraordinary scale and impact. From its dramatic opening to the iconic “Ode to Joy” finale, the symphony is expected to bring together the full force of the 64-member orchestra, an 80-member chorus, and four vocal soloists. Widely regarded as one of the most powerful achievements in classical music, it remains a profound expression of shared humanity and collective voice.Guest artists for the Beethoven include Chorus of Westerly; Chelsea Basler-Aston, soprano; Carrie Cheron, alto; Matthew Anderson, tenor; and Thomas Cannon, bass.
For tickets and more information, visit https://nbsymphony.org/2025-2026-season/a-joyous-sound.
Audience members are invited to arrive early and enjoy engaging pre-concert offerings, according to the announcement. These include a calming reset at the Sangha Yoga studio across the street from The Z, a pre-concert chat with Yaniv and Pedro in The Zeiterion Auditorium, and drinks and socializing in the Baker Family Lounge.
The public is also invited to attend a free open rehearsal in the Zeiterion auditorium from 4 to 6:30 p.m. May 15. Seating is general admission, and guests may come and go during the session.
The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra that annually presents a concert series of classical and pops music with internationally acclaimed guest artists, as well as an outstanding chamber music series. In addition, the NBSO’s innovative and nationally recognized educational programs reach more than 8,000 students each year. The NBSO is dedicated to building a community of music in the South Coast.
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