STAGE SET FOR PERFORMANCE OF ICONIC REQUIEM AT CHESTER CATHEDRAL

Final preparations are underway in Chester for the staging of one of Giuseppe Verdi's most dramatic works.

Chester Music Society is set to stage Verdi's Requiem in the historic surroundings of Chester Cathedral on Saturday 25^th November at 7.30pm.

Last performed by Chester Music Society in 2010, Chester Music Society Choir will be accompanied by Liverpool Sinfonia (including eight trumpets!) and an impressive line up of soloists including Soprano Erika Mädi-Jones, Contralto Margaret McDonald, Tenor Charne Rochford and Bass-baritone Andrew Greenan under the musical direction of Conductor Graham Jordan Ellis.

The Requiem was written by Verdi in memory of Italian writer and humanist Alessandro Mazoni whom Verdi had admired all his adult life. It was first performed On 22 May 1873, the first anniversary of Mazoni's death and was conducted by Verdi himself.

Speaking about the Requiem, John Ferrari, Chairman of Chester Music Society Choir said:

"Described as 'an Opera in Disguise' and 'an opera in church vestments', the Requiem is unashamedly theatrical in style, with passages of great tenderness and simplicity contrasting with intensely dramatic sections. Writing at the time of its first performance in 1874, the eminent conductor and pianist Hans von Bülow described it as ‘Verdi’s latest opera, in church vestments’. Brahms said of it "Verdi's Requiem is a work of genius".

John added:

"From the terrified cry and dramatic power of the famous Dies Irae to the soprano’s hushed prayer in the Agnus Dei, this sacred work is a musical panorama of human hopes and fears created by a deeply compassionate man. Powerful and exciting, it is offset by heartbreakingly beautiful lyrical melodies, which will leave audience and performers alike with an overwhelming sense of having participated in a deeply emotional and uplifting experience. It promises to be a highlight of the Chester concert season and one not to be missed."

Full details of Verdi's Requiem can be found at: 

www.chestermusicsociety.org.uk 

...where tickets can be booked online.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at Chester Cathedral.

Pictured - Chester Music Society Choir.