Few choral works have captured the public imagination in the way that Verdi’s great masterpiece, the “Messa da Requiem” has. The work’s dramatic and emotional intensity, Verdi’s soaring, lyrical melodies and his powerful mastery of both vocal and orchestral forces all contribute to the Requiem’s status as one of the great icons of Western music.
Best known for his wonderful operas, the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi poured into his great Requiem the same vibrant emotion and expressive power that thrills opera fans around the world. Indeed, more than a few critics have hailed the Requiem as Verdi’s ‘greatest opera’!
This special gala performance will be dedicated to the memory of former RMP Patron, and much respected opera conductor and musicologist, the late Fra’ Prof Richard Divall AO, OBE
Hear four outstanding operatic soloists, the combined choral forces of both the celebrated Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Melbourne University Choral Society, and the acclaimed Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of RMP Chief Conductor Andrew Wailes, well known to Melbourne audiences for his commanding and dynamic performances of great choral masterpieces.
Outstanding Armenian soprano Natalie Aroyan, acclaimed for her Verdi performances will headline the magnificent quartet of soloists. She will be joined by outstanding young Australian mezzo soprano Anna Dowsley, Italian Australian tenor Virgilio Marino, and leading Opera Australia bass David Parkin (winner of the 2015 Australian Opera Awards Dame Joan Sutherland Award).
Join Maestro Wailes and 300 passionate choral and orchestral musicians, who will unite for this highly anticipated concert, which is not to be missed by lovers of this great masterpiece.
“From the hushed opening phrases and passionate fortissimo outbursts of the impeccably prepared chorus, to the scintillating playing of the RMP orchestra and the gloriously controlled singing of four superb soloists, this performance of Verdi’s great Requiem did not disappoint. Conductor Andrew Wailes infused Verdi’s already dramatic score with an unwaivering energy and sense of gravitas, marshalling his large forces to produce a memorable and thrilling performance which at times rocked the very foundations of the packed Town Hall.”
-The Age, 2010
VERDI: MESSA DA REQUIEM
Performed without interval (approx. 90 minutes)
- Andrew Wailes, conductor
- Natalie Aroyan, soprano
- Anna Dowsley, mezzo soprano
- Virgilio Marino, tenor
- David Parkin, bass
- Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir
- Melbourne University Choral Society
- Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra
VERDI REQUIEM ON SALE FRIDAY 21 APRIL 2017 at 10am.
Get in quick to get the best (and cheapest) tickets!
Book via www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or phone 182 183
You can also book via Ticketmaster: ticketmaster.com or 136 100
HEAR the VERDI Requiem Dies Irae and Tuba Mirum here
