VERDI REQUIEM - A collaboration of New Zealand's Finest

VERDI REQUIEM - A collaboration of New Zealand's Finest

Sat 8 October | 7.30 | St. Paul’s Collegiate School (Hamilton)

Sunday 9 October | 5pm | Auckland Town Hall

As summer is slowly approaching New Zealand’s shores, Bach Musica NZ says good bye to the grey and stormy winter months with one of the most popular and dramatic requiems of all times.

Verdi himself premiered this obituary for a treasured and admired friend and poet with a modest orchestration of a 120-voices strong chorus and 100 instrumentalists which later, on tour via London’s Albert Hall, expanded up to 1,200 singers! True to Verdi’s love to stretch the boundaries of classical composition technique as well as political & religious standards this ‘operesque’ piece was regarded as rather controversial at its time. However, once the Messa da Requiem found its way to the most prestigious churches as well as playhouses all doubt vanished and this compositional milestone has proven to be more than just an ode to a friend - it is, as George Marek calls it, "a prayer for peace by a man who had devoted his music to conflict."

Bach Musica NZ will be boosting its chorus to over 100 with guest singers from the National Youth Choir, the Graduate Choir, other solo professionals and the Hamilton Civic Choir. Its orchestra, enlarged to full symphony orchestra size, showcases no less than eight trumpets, a bass drum, tuba and piccolo part for effect.

The performance will be conducted by Rita Paczian with internationally renowned soloists Morag Atchison (soprano), Catrin Johnsson (mezzo), David Hamilton (tenor) and Joel Amosa (bass).

You are invited to experience Verdi’s love for drama on the 2nd weekend of October in Auckland and Hamilton.

SOLOISTS

Morag Atchison (soprano)

Catrin Johnsson (mezzo)

David Hamilton (tenor)

Joel Amosa (bass)

Rita Paczian (conductor)

AUCKLAND CONCERT

Sunday, 9 October, 5pm (Auckland Town Hall)

Tickets

$25-$65

$10 students & children

www.ticketmaster.co.nz

0800 111 999

Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

HAMILTON CONCERT

Saturday, 8 October, 7.30pm (St. Paul’s Collegiate School)

Tickets

$35-$40

$10 student rush

www.premier.ticketek.co.nz

0800 TICKETEK (842 538)

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