Program
Verdi's Requiem.
Artists
Natalya Gennadi, soprano; Danielle MacMillan, mezzo-soprano; Michael d'Entremont, tenor; Dion Mazerolle, bass.
Orpheus Choir of Toronto, Thomas Burton, Artistic Director.
Resound Choir, Thomas Burton, Artistic Director.
Anne and I are spending a few days in Ontario, Canada, and we are in Toronto for a few days. When I searched for classical concert availability for today (June 21), I found a Copland opera (The Tender Land) and this concert. We felt a more familiar work would be better suited for our "vacation mood," and decided on this event. "Familiar" is relative, as I find three blog entries of this work: twice by NY Phil, and once by NJ Symphony.
I had not encountered any of the performers before, and I didn't know about this Meridian Arts Center. The upshot is we came not knowing what to expect. I went away giving a lot of credit to the hard work the musicians put in, and much appreciation to the group being able to convey the sentiments Verdi was trying to convey with this work. There was an Emcee who gave an introduction for the piece. Too complex for someone not familiar with the music; not much fresh insight for those who are; and too long in either case.
The ensemble was large. I counted around 95 chorus members, and guess there were about 80 orchestra members. There were 12 first violins, 6 cellos, and 4 basses (so not enough low voices). Four brasses were in the balcony. The auditorium sits about 1000 people, perhaps 800 showed up.
The concert hall is a short walk from a subway station. Overall an enjoyable evening.
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