Benjamin Britten War Requiem

ABOUT

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FROM 19h00. CASH ONLY.

The War Requiem is a large-scale, non-liturgical setting of the Requiem, composed in 1961 for the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral, rebuilt after the original cathedral was destroyed in World War II. It is rarely performed because of the large forces required to perform it, but five choirs and two orchestras are coming together to perform this work this year, the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War I. The traditional Latin texts of the requiem mass are interspersed with settings of poems by Wilfred Owen, written during World War I. It is scored for soprano, tenor and baritone soloists, chorus, boys’ choir, organ, and two orchestras. A chamber orchestra accompanies the settings of the English poetry, sung by the soloists, while a full orchestra accompanies the choirs in the Latin sections.

The Philharmonia Choir is joining forces with the Symphony Choir of Johannesburg, the Dresden Singakademie adult and children’s choirs, and the St Cyprian’s School choir. They will be accompanied by the Saxonia Youth Orchestra and the Philharmonia Chamber Orchestra. This collaboration between descendants of people who were on opposing sides during both world wars adds to the significance and power of this event. The performers will be arranged in three separate groups during the performance, and will thus require three conductors.

The concert has been two years in the planning, and promises to be a unique and profound experience for the audience and performers alike.

SOLOISTS:

Andiswa Makana (soprano)

Siyabonga Maqungo (tenor)

Daniel Ochoa (baritone)

CONDUCTORS:

Conductor of massed choir and large orchestra: Milko Kersten

Maestro Kersten is the artistic director of the Saxonia Youth Orchestra. He studied conducting and piano in Dresden, and has worked as a guest conductor with many ensembles and opera houses. He has a particular interest in contemporary music, and has been involved in various radio and CD productions. He also lectures in various aspects of music in Dresden.

Conductor of chamber orchestra: Richard Cock

Conductor of children's choir: Claudia Sebastian-Bertch

?Audience members are encouraged to wear any war or peace medals they may have, particularly any to do with WWI or WWII, whether they were awarded to themselves or family members, at the concert. 

DIRECTIONS