This Beethoven themed concert was originally slated for March 2020, but was postponed until July 24.

The FSO Chorale and chamber orchestra will be led by Michael Shirtz.

SANDUSKY – The Firelands Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Chorale is slated to perform “Beethoven’s Mass in C major” in a concert celebrating one of the world’s most prolific composers: Ludwig Van Beethoven. The FSO Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Michael Shirtz, will perform on Sunday, July 24 at 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sandusky.

Tickets are $15 each for the general public, and $10 each for those who are 2022-2023 season subscribers. Tickets and subscriptions can be purchased at FirelandsSymphony.com/Tickets or by calling the FSO office at 419-621-4800 (Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

This event is sponsored by Randolph J. & Estelle M. Dorn Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council. While some of the chorale members were able to perform in last December’s holiday pops concert, this will be the first Symphony Chorale concert since November 2019.

Chorale director Michael Shirtz commented, “When the pandemic shut everything down in March 2020, we were just about to do the Beethoven concert celebrating his 250 th birthday. After all the preparation and work that was put in, we are excited that we finally are returning to do this performance of Beethoven’s Mass in C major. The work itself musically provides a theme of working through struggle to become stronger as humanity. So, it seems appropriate that we are doing this masterwork now.”

Additional selections include “Hallelujah Chorus” from Christ on the Mount of Olives, Mass in C Major, op. 86, and “Joyful, Joyful” from Symphony No. 9. This musical tribute features the glorious compositions which continue to inspire new generations and enrich the lives of audiences around the world.

In addition to the Firelands Symphony Chorale and a chamber orchestra, the concert will also feature guest soloists from various universities throughout Ohio: Sadiyah Babatunde, soprano (The Ohio State University); Elizabeth Vogel, mezzo soprano (Bowling Green State University);

William Schott, bass (The Ohio State University); and special guest, Dr. C. Andrew Blosser, tenor (professor of voice at the The Ohio State University School of Music).

The doors open one hour prior to the performance. Due to the Ironman competition in downtown Sandusky, concert attendees should be aware of certain road closures on Madison and Adams Streets, as well as at the intersection of Shelby and Jefferson Streets. When arriving to St. Mary’s

Church, attendees should turn onto Jefferson Avenue from Perry Street (heading West). There is some parking available at the church parking lot, as well as other street parking.