Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Members of the Stephen F. Austin State University A Cappella Choir will participate in the 180-voice chorus singing with the Longview Symphony's performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's "Symphony No. 9 in D minor" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29.

The work, also known as "Ode to Joy" or "Beethoven's Ninth," will be the highlight of the program presented by the symphony during its season-opening concert in its new home, LeTourneau University's S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center.

Dr. Tim King, director of the A Cappella Choir, said his 52-member group is one of five area choirs invited to sing in the massive chorus. Other groups are the Longview Symphony Chorale, Texarkana Regional Chorale, LeTourneau Singers and East Texas Baptist University Chorus.

According to the Longview Symphony's Web site, Beethoven's 9th Symphony is "one of Western culture's most famous life-affirming works. With a full orchestra, four vocal soloists and a large combined chorus of singers from surrounding colleges and communities, the last movement's Ode to Joy promises to be an unforgettable experience."

The concert will open with Samuel Barber's "Second Essay for Orchestra, Op. 17."

The Belcher Center is located at 2100 S. Mobberly Avenue in Longview. For tickets or more information, please call (903) 233-3080.