South Florida Symphony Orchestra will perform 18th century composer Austrian Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Requiem in D Minor” and “Symphony No. 40 in G Minor” in two concerts to take place at 7:30 p.m.on Tuesday, March 11 at New World Center in Miami Beach and on Wednesday, March 12 at The Parker in Ft. Lauderdale.
“Mozart was the original rebel, bold, unapologetic and ahead of his time.,” said Sebrina Maria Alfonso, Artistic Director and Conductor of the SFSO who views Mozart as one of the great icons of music.
“Conducting his ‘Requiem’ feels like stepping into one of the final moments of Mozart.. His passion, urgency and soul are laid bare for all to hear.”
“Requiem” was actually completed following Mozart’s death in 1791 and is hailed by classical music critics as his greatest composition.
“Pairing ‘Requiem’ with the fire of his (Mozart’s) ‘Symphony No. 40 in G Minor” demonstrates the great enigma and profound genius of Mozart. I can’t wait to perform our program,” said Alfonso.
“Requiem” will be performed in eight sections and features four singers: soprano Katherine Henly, mezzo-soprano Maggie Renee, bass baritone Neil Nelson and tenor Norman Shankle teaming with the South Florida Symphony Chorus in many of the vocal parts of Mozart’s composition.
Singers Nelson and Shankle are especially well-known to patrons of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra. Both have performed in the SFSO performance of “Handel’s Messiah” and Nelson was also featured in a past SFSO performance of “Porgy & Bess”.
South Florida Symphony Chorus performs in “Requiem” by composer Wolgang Mozart and conducted by SFSO Music Director Sebrina Maria Alfonso in two concerts on March 11 and March 12 at New World Center in Miami Beach and The Parker in Ft. Lauderdale . Photo by Steven Shires
The most well-known movement of “Requiem” is titled “Lacrimosa”. “Lacrimosa” is known for emotional depth and has become so popular that the movement has been heard in many feature films and by over one billion users on the youtube.com video website.
“Requiem’ will open the second half of the concert, following intermission. The Mozart composition features the following instruments: on brass, two basset horns, two trumpets, alto, bass and tenor trombones, timpani; on strings: cello, double bass, violins and viola and an organ.
“Symphony No. 40 in G Minor” will be performed in four movements featuring the following instruments: cello, double bass, two bassoons, two clarinets, two oboes, violas and violins.
Written by Mozart as a young 25-year-old, classical music critics noted that “Symphony No. 40 in G Minor” has a tragic tone and is deeply emotional.
“Playing both compositions by Mozart give indications not only into his insight, but of Mozart’s strong stature in classical music,” said Alfonso.
South Florida Symphony Orchestra will perform “Requiem” and “Symphony No. 40” by Wolgang Amadeus Mozart with guest singers Katherine Henly, Neil Nelson, Maggie Renee and Norman Shankle along with the South Florida Symphony Chorus taking place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 at New World Center, 500 17th Street in Miami Beach and on Wednesday, March 12 at The Parker, 707 NE 8th Street in Ft. Lauderdale .Feb. 15.
Dr. Alan Mason will give a talk about the concert program and more information on Mozart at 7 pm only at New World Center… Tickets range from $25-115 and are sold out at The Parker.. For tickets at the New World Center concert, and more information go to southfloridasymphony.org or call 305-673-3331..
