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Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: Verdi's Requiem

Choral Singing / Sacred Music: Requiem

VERDI'S REQUIEM presented by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Date: Saturday 20 May 2023 at 2pm
Venue: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

 

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs lifts the roof of the Sydney Opera House with Verdi’s Requiem – music’s most awesome mass for the dead. Like any of his operas, Verdi offers the full range emotions in his music – from dramatic terror to heart-melting serenity – and gives us a deeply personal expression of grief. In front of the powerful 350-voice Festival Chorus and Sydney Philhamonia Orchestra are four of Australia’s leading opera stars, all conducted by artistic and music director Brett Weymark.

Ten minutes into Verdi’s Requiem, the “Dies irae” (Day of Wrath) thunders through the hall, carrying all who hear it on a wave of terror as Verdi dials the drama up to 11. At the other extreme is the anguish of the weeping “Lacrymosa” and the gleaming serenity of the “Lux aeterna” (Light Eternal). Verdi has given us a musical expression of grief that’s both deeply intimate and supremely spectacular and that combination is what makes his Requiem one of the best-loved choral works in the repertoire.

 

Verdi’s Requiem might be funeral music – a mass for the dead – but its emotional impact, and the sheer drama of the music, is equal to a night at the opera. So if you love his operas (think Rigoletto, La Traviata, Aida…) join us to experience the genius of his Requiem with our biggest choir, the Festival Chorus, stars of the Australian opera stage and the Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra in full force.

PROGRAM

Verdi's Requiem

ARTISTS

Brett Weymark conductor
Maija Kovalevska soprano
Deborah Humble mezzo-soprano
Diego Torre tenor
David Greco bass
Festival Chorus
Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra

 

PRE-CONCERT TALK

Come to the Northern Foyer from 1pm to hear 2MBS Fine Music presenter Ross Hayes speak about Verdi’s Requiem. This talk is made possible with the support of 2MBS Fine Music. Grab a drink at the bar and enjoy this free, 30-minute talk, with plenty of time to find your seat for the 2pm concert.

Seating is on the carpeted stairs in the Northern Foyer.
Access the Northern Foyer via the new tunnel from the Southern Foyer.

  • Saturday 20 May: 1:15PM-1:45PM
  • Concert Hall, Northern Foyer stairs
 

Reviews: 

Verdi’s Requiem: A concert review by Shirley Politzer. May 24, 2023 by Shirley Politzer.  "Supporting the wonderful soloists is the very capable Sydney Philharmonia Festival Chorus, which filled four boxes around the stage. They were able to use their voices successfully to create the mood required as well as sing in a fugal style or single-line melody. They were also a visual pleasure in how they sat and stood all together and held their folders-something I believe is as important as their singing.  Brett Weymark, artistic and music director of the Sydney Philharmonic Choirs and Orchestra, had full command of the 50 orchestra members, 330 odd choir surrounding him, and the four soloists, leaving nothing to chance." Accessed 25 MAy 2023.

VERDI’S REQUIEM WITH SYDNEY PHILHARMONIA CHOIRS. 5 Stars.  Sydney Arts Guide. Reviewed by Annabelle Drumm, 21 May 2023. "Lead by Artistic Director Brett Weymark, the Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra and combined choirs of 350 voices were out in full force. It’s a work that starkly highlights each area of the orchestra in their moments of magic and the musicians fully embraced each opportunity."  Accessed 22 May 2023.


Related Links:

Requiem (Verdi).  en.wikipedia.org

Verdi's Requiem (Messa de Requiem). Inspired Pen Web.


Video Credit:

2023 Verdi's Requiem 2.  Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.  Experience the drama and emotional power of Verdi’s Requiem, from the sky-shattering terror of the Dies Irae to the sublime, heart melting Lacrymosa. Four of Australia's leading opera stars and the 350+ voices of our Festival Chorus fill the Sydney Opera House Concert in this single matinee performance.  YouTube, accessed April 20, 2023.
 
Photo Credit:
 
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs / Keith Saunders.

Resources:

Verdi's Requiem. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Accessed April 6, 2023 

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs' 2023 Season Catalogue. 

 

Tickets:

Premium $129 | A $105 | B $85 | C $60 | D $45
Concessions $116 | A $92| B $75 | C $55 | D $41
Under 30 $30
A booking fee of $8.95 per transaction applies.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

COVID-19 SAFETY AT SPC CONCERTS

Up-to-date COVID guidelines will be available a few weeks before the concert. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs regularly update their guidelines based on health directives from NSW Government & the Sydney Opera House. 

(c) April 20, 2023. Tel.  Inspired Pen Web.  All rights reserved.

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