VERDI'S REQUIEM at Meridian Arts Centre – George Weston Recital Hall

The Orpheus Choir and Resound Choir – featuring Natalya Gennadi, soprano, Danielle MacMillan, mezzo soprano, Marcel d’Entremont, tenor, and Dion Mazerolle, bass, as soloists—perform Verdi’s Messa da Requiem. Sometimes referred to as “an opera in ecclesiastical robes,” Verdi’s Requiem combines the liturgical mass with Verdi’s undeniable dramatic flair. Originally intended to be part of a multi-composer commemorative mass for fellow Italian composer Giacchino Rossini, after those plans fell through Verdi opted to write Requiem on his own years later. Composed in a highly Romantic style, this Requiem combines the might of a symphony orchestra with a full chorus and soloists. Many of the sections may be instantly recognizable from their use in contemporary movies as well: the Dies Irae, for instance, was popularized in Armageddon (1998), and often features in move trailers including battle scenes.

Kristian Alexander | conductor Natalya Gennadi | soprano Danielle MacMillan | mezzo-soprano Marcel d’Entremont | tenor Dion Mazerolle | bass Orpheus Choir and Resound Choir Thomas Burton | artistic director Daniel Vnukowski | host

7:10 p.m. Prélude: pre-concert recital.

7:20 p.m. Pre-concert talk.

Intermission discussion and Q&A with Thomas Burton and Daniel Vnukowski.