The Anthracite Philharmonic took a full house on a musical journey from Beethoven to The Beatles during a concert Saturday night at First United Methodist Church, Pottsville.
It began with Symphony No. 5 in c minor by Ludwig van Beethoven, commonly known as "Beethoven's Fifth."
This symphony first premiered on Dec. 22, 1808, at the "Marathon" Concert in Vienna's Theater an der Wein. Although it was heavily criticized following the concert, it was soon considered a masterpiece, according to the philharmonic program. The symphony shows "a large scale narrative."
After the intermission, the concert moved on to "The Beatles Suite" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
The suite included "A Hard Day's Night," "Day Tripper," "Norwegian Wood," "Beatles Medley," "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," "Lady Madonna" and "The Best of the Beatles."
A parallel between Classical music and rock was suggested in "The Essential Secrets of Songwriting/Some Thoughts on Beethoven and The Beatles" by writer Gary Ewer. Ewer further said that The Beatles was comparable to Beethoven because both influenced other composers and songwriters of their times, each being seen as radical in their art and music. "... Both Beethoven and The Beatles changed music forever," according to the event program.
"I wanna thank all of you for coming because without your support, we wouldn't be here." Linda Kriner, president of the philharmonic board of directors, said at the beginning of the performance. "You will enjoy this."
The Anthracite Philharmonic, which formed in 2011, is an orchestra comprised of accomplished musicians from Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas.
On Saturday, the orchestra was under the direction of Dr. Mark P. Thomas, a founding member who serves as the artistic director and conductor.
Thomas is most recognized in the Schuylkill County area as the music director and conductor of the Schuylkill Choral Society, a position he has served in since 1986.
He has also been a guest artist and conductor for many organizations including the Prague Radio Symphony, the New York Pops, the State Orchestra of St. Petersburg, Russia, the Moscow Opera Company and the Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra.
The next concert of the Anthracite Philharmonic will be the summer concert on July 6, rain or shine, at the Yuengling Mansion, 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville.
For more information about the Anthracite Philharmonic, visit www.antphil.org.