Verdi’s Requiem with 200 singers
‘Edinburgh 200 give voice to Verdi 200’
There are certain choral works which enjoy huge popularity with both performers and audiences because any description requires the liberal use of superlatives. One of these works is unquestionably Verdi’s Requiem which is being much celebrated this year as 2013 is the bicentenary of the birth of its composer, Guiseppe Verdi.
Edinburgh Bach Choir and Jubilo, two of Edinburgh’s finest choirs, will combine forces again to give the first performance of Verdi’s Requiem, in Edinburgh this year on 24th February, at the Usher Hall. They are delighted to be working again, with Scottish Sinfonia orchestra, after their last successful and well received performance of Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius in 2010, under the direction of Neil Mantle MBE.
For this performance of the Verdi Requiem there will be over 200 singers, as well as an orchestra with 100 players, as the two choirs are being strengthened by the Broughton High School Senior Chamber Choir whose members are students from the Music Department of Broughton High School and the City of Edinburgh Music School.
The two choirs were delighted to welcome the Broughton singers after being approached by their musical director, Catherine Frew, who has been teaching music at Broughton High for just over eight years. There are few opportunities for young people to enjoy the unique experience of participating in a large scale performance at a prestigious venue and both choirs hope that ventures such as this can nurture the young singers’ love of music and performance as well as encouraging ambitions to continue singing in school and beyond.
The young musicians have been working hard over the winter juggling rehearsals with school work and preparing for exams. Performing the Requiem will be a significant achievement for each of them. Edinburgh Bach Choir and Jubilo and Scottish Sinfonia are looking forward to performing with the Broughton choir and to an exciting performance of Verdi’s amazing works which will hopefully generate more superlatives.
Usher Hall, Sunday 24th February 2013
Verdi: Te Deum: Requiem
Edinburgh Bach Choir / Jubilo / Broughton High School Senior Chamber Choir
The Scottish Sinfonia
Chorus Master – Walter Thomson
Conductor – Neil Mantle MBE