Messa da Requiem

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The most operatic of all sacred works, the 1874 Requiem takes its rightful place in a season of treasures from the late Romantic period. The closing "Libera me" section was conceived in 1869 as part of a mass written by 13 different composers to honor Rossini after his death. That effort was abandoned, to Verdi's frustration, but five years later he resolved to bring a Requiem to completion as tribute to Alessandro Manzoni, the Italian poet, novelist and humanist. Verdi's admiration for the writer brought out his best - the music is infused with rhythmic vitality, sublime melodies and dramatic contrasts. He recycled a duet from Don Carlos and chose a quartet of singers from the European production of Aida for the Milan premiere, which he himself conducted. Join internationally known soloists from today's operatic stage, the New Orleans Opera Chorus, and choral groups from throughout our community for this special event.

The Verdi Requiem is sponsored by

The Betty S. and James A. Noe, Jr. Foundation in memory of James A Noe, Jr. (New Orleans Opera Board President, 1974-78 & 1986-88)

Soloists underwritten by

Xenia Krinitzky Roff in loving memory of her husband Dr. Barry Roff

Additional support comes from

The Inn on Bourbon, official hotel headquarters of the New Orleans Opera