The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is honouring the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day by performing Giuseppe Verdi鈥檚 Requiem.
Rosemary Thompson, music director describes the piece as a bucket list moment for her.
鈥淏ecause of the deep feeling of the text and the brilliance of the music I think that the choruses, when you put this many choruses together and the four soloists and all the different textures are so satisfying,鈥� said Thompson.
In her 12th season, Thompson will lead 150 chorus members, 65 musicians in the orchestra including eight trumpets and four opera singers.
Featured soloists for this performance represent Canadian operatic talent: soprano Tracy Cantin. mezzo-soprano Lauren Segal, tenor Justin Stolz, and baritone Justin Welsh.
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The Requiem, the traditional musical setting of the Mass for the Dead transforms in Verdi鈥檚 hands into what has been called an 鈥榦pera in disguise鈥�, at times terrifying and undeniably transcendent. One of the most enduring compositions of its kind, Verdi composed the piece in memory of a dear friend and public hero, poet and novelist Alessandro Manzoni. The progression of the piece tells the ultimate dramatic story, from profound loss at the start, to sheer terror at what lies ahead on judgment day in the Dies Irae, followed by a final plea for redemption.
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鈥淚 think that the arts bring a different level of appreciation of reflection and in this piece some moments of sheer terror,鈥� said Thompson.
The performance will travel through the Okanagan opening at the 麻豆精选 Community Theatre Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m., then will move to Penticton Nov. 10 at the Cleland Community Theatre and will end in Vernon Nov. 11 at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
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