Celebrating 80 Years of the United Nations: Beethoven's "Ode to Joy"

In June, I, along with other members of the Lux Mea choir, joined the United Nations Symphony Orchestra to perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in celebration of the UN's 80th anniversary. Here is a bit of background about the orchestra from their website:

"UNSRC Orchestra is an international ensemble of musicians who work at the United Nations, as well as other international organisations, agencies, programmes and funds located in New York. The goals of our ensemble are, through music, to promote peace, friendship and cooperation between nations, respect for diversity and universality. By involving those who work in international organizations, the orchestra shows their engagement in these ideals.

Our roster has over 90 active musicians from 26 countries, 17 different departments of the United Nations, and four diplomatic missions."

This was such an amazing experience! A recording of the entire performance is below. The singers join during the fourth movement of the symphony, at about the 50-minute mark.