Beethoven's 9th Symphony is a representation of the most essential human elements, says Napier Civic Choir musical director Jose Aparicio.
The Napier Civic Choir is holding two performances of the piece next month. The choral section also features four soloists; soprano Anna Pierard, mezzo soprano Sarah Court, tenor Philip Griffin, and baritone Jared Holt, with the words taken from the poem Ode to Joy.
The first three movements can be interpreted as a representation of the chaotic way humans behave, he says, while the addition of voices in the last movement is a glimpse into "the utopia of making a better world where humans live in harmony".
"I have never come across a piece of art that has connected to so many different kinds of people, no one can resist the power of this music when heard live", Mr Aparicio said.
He believes the symphony's most striking feature is the immediacy of its expressive language, from the undefined misty beginning of the first movement to the horror fanfare at the beginning of the 4th movement. "It is truly remarkable."
Aparicio decided the choir was capable of handling such a challenging work after its impressive performance of Verdi's Requiem in 2013, along with that of the accompanying orchestra.
The 48-strong orchestra for these concerts will also include a number of out of town musicians, in order to meet the requirements of the "orchestral forces" needed for the piece.
Next year is shaping up to be a big one, he says, with several international soloists joining the choir for performances.
Soprano Lisa Harper Brown will perform Berlioz Les nuits d't, New Zealand String quartet 1st violin Helene Pohl will be playing the Bruch Violin concerto, soprano Anna Leese will be singing in Mendelssohn's Elijah, soprano Anna Pierard will be singing Messiah, and violinist Amalia Hall will perform Vivaldi's Four Seasons.
Pianist Matteo Napoli, who performed here earlier this year, returns to play Chopin Concerto No2. The choir will be releasing the full details of its 2015 programme shortly.
• Ode to Joy: A Beethoven Choral Symphony, directed by Jose Aparicio, St Paul's Church, Napier - 8pm, October 18; 2.30pm , October 19. Tickets $15 students, $39 adults, from Beattie & Forbes, Take Note, or at the door.