ODE TO JOY

ODE TO JOY
Saturday, June 5, 2027, 7:30pm
Sunday, June 6, 2027, 2:00pm
Bianca Orsi, soprano
Monica Danilov, mezzo-soprano
Ashley Faatoalia, tenor
Cedric Berry, bass-baritone

Sacramento Master Singers
Stockton Chorale

Chris Brubeck: Rhythms of the Range
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, “Choral”

A powerful season finale celebrating unity, humanity, and joy. The program opens with a premiere of Chris Brubeck’s Rhythms of the Range, a new orchestral work inspired by jazz icon Dave Brubeck and narrated with Dave’s legendary voice.

The second half features one of the most iconic works in all of classical music, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Monumental in scale and emotional scope, the symphony moves from darkness to triumph, culminating in the famous “Ode to Joy” finale—a choral celebration of brotherhood, hope, and
shared humanity.

This performance brings together an exceptional roster of vocal soloists, the Sacramento Master Singers, and the Stockton Chorale, joining forces with the orchestra in Beethoven’s powerful call for unity. The result is a stirring season finale that reflects the enduring power of music to connect and inspire.

Bianco Orsi, soprano
Northern California soprano Bianca Orsi is praised for her expressive performances in opera and concert. Recent highlights include Adina in L’elisir d’amore and Despina in Così fan tutte. She has appeared with Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Opera San José and has performed internationally in Mexico. Orsi holds degrees from USC and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Monica Danilov, mezzo-soprano
Returning to our stage, Monica Danilov is an internationally acclaimed artist with local roots. She holds degrees in vocal performance from the Manhattan School of Music and the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College. Her career has taken her to renowned venues worldwide, including the Kennedy Center, Avery Fisher Hall, the Cairo Opera House, and stages across South America.

Ashley Faatoalia, tenor
Ashley Faatoalia is a Los Angeles–born tenor acclaimed for his soaring voice and warm stage presence. A champion of new works, he has collaborated with leading composers and performed with companies including LA Opera and Oakland Symphony. Recent roles include Turandot and Omar. He appears on film and studio recordings and serves as a teaching artist with LA Opera Connects.

Cedric Berry, bass-baritone
Cedric Berry returns to dazzle our audiences again with his powerful, agile voice and commanding presence. He has performed title roles in Gianni Schicchi, Faust, and Don Giovanni, and appeared with the Pasadena Pops Orchestra, LA Philharmonic, and Telemann Chamber Orchestra of Japan. A Metropolitan Opera Western Region Competition winner, he studied at Interlochen and the University of Southern California.