Verdi Requiem

Hexham Orpheus Choir

The Messa da Requiem is scored for four soloists, a mixed double choir and orchestra, and was composed in memory of Alessandro Manzoni, an Italian poet whom Verdi admired and had met. The first performance in the church of San Marco, Milan, in 1874 was repeated at La Scala three days later where it was an instant success.
Verdi uses vigorous rhythms, sublime melodies and dramatic contrasts to express the powerful emotions of the text. Few choral works have captured the public imagination as much as his Requiem. The basic directness of his style, his soaring, lyrical melodies which lie perfectly for the human voice, the wonderful orchestration and, most of all, the work’s extraordinary dramatic and emotional intensity, all contribute to the Requiem’s status as one of the great icons of Western music. 
We will be performing this work in the majestic setting of Hexham Abbey, across the transept where the acoustic is at its best. There will also be seats available in the nave with a restricted view. Hexham Orpheus Choir is dedicated to performing and promoting access to classical music in the Tyne Valley. Based in Hexham we have around 85 members are always welcome new singers - both experienced and inexperienced