Musical Arts Society delves into Beethoven

Kimberley McGee

Friday, March 22, 2002 | 9:26 a.m.

When: 3 p.m. Sunday.

Where: UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall.

Tickets: $15; $12 for students.

Information: 895-2787.

Nearly 175 years to the day of composer Ludwig van Beethoven's death, a local music group will celebrate his life's work.

The Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society celebrates its 39th season with "A Beethoven Festival Concert," Sunday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Artemus Ham Hall.

The composer, who battled depression, suicidal thoughts and deafness, died March 26, 1827, at age 57.

The combination of forceful, dramatic power with dreamy introspection is the cornerstone of Beethoven's compositions, Douglas Peterson, director of the Musical Arts Society, said.

"We all have our own challenges and personal struggles," Peterson said. "In Beethoven, who did overcome his struggles, his music reflects going from despair to victory."

The program will open with the overture to Beethoven's "Creatures of Prometheus," followed by "Mass in C" by the Musical Arts Orchestra.

Guest soloists Rebecca Martindale (soprano), Juline Barol-Gilmore (mezzo soprano), Steve Robinson (tenor) and Rabbi Gary Golbart (bass) will perform "Mass in C."

"They are the best local soloists," Peterson said. "They've been associated with us for years and they are phenomenal."

The Musical Arts Society was created in 1963 by Strip performer and Las Vegas journalist Bill Willard and was originally called the Las Vegas Musical Arts Workshop. Peterson joined as musical director in 1968.

Peterson says he has stayed on as the group's director because Las Vegas has offered him an opportunity to present the works of the masters, a gift he hasn't taken lightly.

"This was a possibility to perform the type of music that I love dearly, the classical orchestra master works," Peterson said. "Although, we do a bit of everything."

Each summer the Musical Arts Society performs a pop concert. This year "Bizet to Broadway" will take place June 8-9 at CCSN's Cheyenne Campus.