Come and Sing: Verdi Requiem Highlights
10:30am, Sat, 27 Jan 2024
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Type of event: Workshop Start time: 10:30am End time: 5:00pm Venue: RBAI, College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DL Description: 
2024 marks 150 years since the first performance of Verdi’s Requiem in Milan on 22nd May 1874. It is one of the most frequently performed works in the classical canon but, due to its size and scope, it is not always an opportunity provided to amateur singers. To celebrate its anniversary, Belfast Philharmonic Society has chosen the piece for the annual Come and Sing, where singers of all ages and experience levels can join us to learn highlights of this monumental work. Chorus Director James Grossmith will lead singers though the choruses, supported by members of Belfast Philharmonic Choir and accompanied by the Society's pianist Gail Evans. To make the end-of-day performance even more special we are delighted to be joined for the afternoon rehearsal and the recital by soprano soloist Mary McCabe, who sang with the choir in its recent performance of Stanford Requiem.
Verdi Requiem provoked controversy in its creation and early performances, with some critics feeling it was too operatic and dramatic for a religious text (and others that it was trying to sneak religious sentiment under ‘musical costume’!). It employed female soloists who were not at that time permitted to perform in church rituals, and broke classical rules of composition in its use of consonance. Despite all of that, the overwhelming response from audiences was enthusiasm for the piece’s emotion and urgency. It has remained a favourite of the choral repertoire even now in its 150th year, and we are looking forward to working with new singers through the chorus highlights including the mighty Dies Irae – a section of music so famous that it transcends classical music!
The Come and Sing is always a highlight of our season, ideal for keen singers wanting to meet others in a friendly environment, or for anyone who has not sung in a while and would like to jump back in. Make sure to book your tickets as soon as possible to join us for a full day of music-making!
Please indicate during booking which voice part you sing, as well as whether you are bringing your own score. The preferred edition for the score is Ricordi.
There is no dress code for the day, but please wear something warm and comfortable.
Rehearsal: 10:30am – 3:40pm (lunch break 12:30pm-1:30pm)
Performance: 4:00pm – 4:50pm (book tickets separately for the performance)
