Beethoven, the Ninth Symphony: An in depth exploration

Event Information

This event is currently full. Please email info@aryaloka.org to be placed on the waiting list.

Introductory Message

Thank you! Please follow the prompts to register online. Please do not click 'Register' more than once. If you encounter an issue, email info@aryaloka.org to request assistance.

Confirm Text

Please check that everything is correct. Please do not click 'Register' more than once. If you encounter an issue, email info@aryaloka.org to request assistance.

Confirmation Email Text

We look forward to hosting you! Please visit https://aryaloka.org/about-your-visit-aryaloka for relevant information regarding your visit. Aryaloka Cancellation Policy If a cancellation is made 11 days or more in advance (counting the start date of the event), the deposit will be refunded minus an administrative fee of $25, or the whole fee can be transferred to a future event. If the cancellation is made within 10 days or less of the event, the whole fee can be transferred to a future event, or half the fee will be refunded. If there is a no-show for an event without cancellation prior to the start time of the event, no refund will be made. Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the Center Manager who can be contacted at info@aryaloka.org.

ThankYou Text

We look forward to hosting you! You'll receive a confirmation email shortly. Please <a href="https://aryaloka.org/about-your-visit-aryaloka">click here</a> for relevant information regarding your visit.

Pay Later Text

I will send payment by check

Event Description

Beethoven, the Ninth Symphony: An in depth exploration; Saturday, January 30, 10:00 - 3:00

“He was exploring, at this time, a new region of consciousness. Beethoven was reaching out after something that should transcend what is called the human. It may be that [he] was moving about in worlds not realized…He turned from his personal and solitary adventure as a forerunner of the human race to be a partaker in the joy and aspirations of his fellows.” (J.W.N. Sullivan)

Beethoven’s Ninth’. Or simply, ‘The Ninth’.  That’s how we label it. Like ‘Everest’ or ‘The Mona Lisa’.  In other words, it connotes a center, or a height.  The center, the height. Of what, we muse, is the Ninth the center, the height?  Of symphonic literature.  Of music itself.  Of spiritual aspirations embodied in an art work.  Of creativity itself, which, we suspect, albeit dimly or even reluctantly, is the one thing which allows humanity, as it were, to rise above itself, to prove itself worthy of the name.

The Ninth Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven is justifiably considered one of the great masterpieces of all times, in all cultures. Therefore it is worth diving into it in some detail. How has it come to be regarded as such? What are its offerings? What can it teach us about life? About humanity? About our own spiritual strivings?

Through discussion, listening and exploration, we will delve joyfully into all of this, and much more: The Ninth as the culmination of Beethoven's symphonic work, reaching toward a mystical artistic vision; The appeal of Beethoven (as I see it) as an accessible bridge between the human and the divine; How the master has structured this massive work into a unified whole. And: What is the role of creativity in our own lives?

Beethoven presents us with a gift or perhaps a challenge: Empowered by his music can we reach the Elysian fields with a kiss for the whole world, an embrace for all living beings?

The Ninth Symphony offers us a template as to how we might live our lives: acknowledging our human grief and suffering, but with joy and spiritual uplift in the service of others. Can we - dare we - accept it?

Sravaniya will lead two performances of the Ninth Symphony with the New Hampshire Philharmonic on Saturday and Sunday, February 20 and 21, at 7:30 PM and 2:00 PM respectively. The New World Chorale will perform with the orchestra in the "Ode to Joy”.

Participants in this day will each receive two free tickets to a performance.  
In his “Ode to Joy” the Master intones:  
“Let us sing more cheerful songs, 
More full of joy!  
…Join in our song of praise!…You millions, I embrace you. 
This kiss is for all the world!”

Led by <a href="https://aryaloka.org/sravaniya">Dh Sravaniya</a> AKA <a href="https://www.nhphil.org/music-director">Mark Latham</a>

This workshop includes a vegetarian lunch. You can access helpful information about attending workshops at Aryaloka <a href="https://aryaloka.org/about-your-visit-aryaloka">here</a>.

At Aryaloka, we strive to make our programs available to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. Our fee structure allows you to pay according to your means.

The Event Rate is our actual fee for the event. It is for people able to pay for their living expenses, and who can afford occasional or regular leisure expenses such as dining out. Any payment above the advertised fee is a tax-deductible donation.

The Mid-Level Reduced Rate is for those who are able to pay for their living expenses, though experience a consistent tightness in budget that makes extras like leisure activities or unexpected expenses difficult or impossible.

The Base-Level Reduced Rate is for those without an income or with an income low enough that making ends meet is a challenge.

Those whose circumstances are not included above can email the office to make other arrangements including reduced rates, payment schedules, volunteer opportunities and scholarships. <a href="mailto:info@aryaloka.org" style="text-decoration:none;">info@aryaloka.org</a>