Providence Singers: Verdi Requiem
On November 5, the Providence Singers presents the Verdi Requiem, conducted by Julian Wachner, in the chorus’ third special collaboration with the New Haven Symphony.
Verdi’s fiery, profound interpretation of the traditional Catholic funeral service generated some controversy when it first premiered; its dramatic range of emotions and near-operatic intensity were considered rather extreme for church performance. Today, the Requiem is considered by many critics to be one of Verdi’s best works, ranking with his top operas in sheer melodic beauty.
The Providence Singers’ concert features four world-class soloists – including a Rhode Island native – who have sung leading roles with internationally-reknowned orchestras and opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Boston Symphony, and countless others. A few highlights:
National award-winning soprano Barbara Quintiliani has been hailed as “the Verdi soprano the world has been waiting for,” her voice “…drop-dead gorgeous, with pearly-lustrous timbre… and high notes that open out into the hall with real glamour” (Boston Globe).
Mezzo-soprano Margaret Lattimore has also won several national awards, and has been described as “[having] it all – looks, intelligence, musicianship, personality, technique, and a voice of bewitching amber color… high spirits and dazzling virtuoso aplomb.” (Boston Globe)
In addition to his many engagements with the Metropolitan Opera and other companies, tenor Stefano Algieri has recorded several Verdi operas, including Aida, Forza del Destino, and Don Carlo, with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Baritone James Kleyla of East Providence enjoys a busy international career, and is equally at home in classical and popular performance. Among other triumphs, Kleyla earned rave reviews in the Trinity Repertory premiere of Richard Cumming’s The Picnic, and standing ovations at his solo debut with the Boston Pops.
November 5, 2005, 8:00 pm at VMA Arts & Cultural Center, One Avenue of the Arts, Providence
Tickets: $18-$50 adults, $5 students; discounts for advance-purchases, seniors, and WGBH members; visit www.ProvidenceSingers.org for direct links to online sales.
The November 5th performance of Verdi’s Requiem is sponsored by Merrill Lynch. This concert will also be presented at Woolsey Hall in New Haven on Thursday, November 3, 7:30 pm.
About the Providence Singers
Led by artistic director Julian Wachner, The Providence Singers has been acclaimed for its “wonderful vocal blend, and an impeccable sense of voicing” (Providence Journal). Guest appearances with jazz legend Dave Brubeck at the Newport Jazz Festival and Lincoln Center, and with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and Boston Landmarks Orchestra, mark the chorus’ growing reputation throughout the region.
One hundred voices strong, The Providence Singers advances the choral art through concerts, new music commissions, education programs, and collaborations with arts organizations – including the Junior Providence Singers, a high school honors chorus co-sponsored with The Music School of the Rhode Island Philharmonic. For information, visit providencesingers.org or call 401-751-5700.
General operating support is provided by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.
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Press Contact
Christine Hauck
mschris@gtcinternet.com
401-272-9157
