Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra to perform Brahms’ “Requiem” with Messiah College ensembles
March 31st, 2015
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (March 31, 2015) — The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra conducted by Stuart Malina will be joined by the Messiah College Concert Choir, the Messiah College Choral Arts Society and the Susquehanna Chorale, Ensemble in Residence at Messiah College, to perform Brahms’ “Requiem.” The three choirs are conducted by Linda Tedford, director of choral activities. The performance will be held on April 17 at 8 p.m. in Parmer Hall, located in the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts. Admission is $35. Tickets are available by contacting the Messiah College Ticket Office at 717-691-6036 or tickets@messiah.edu. For more information, contact Mark Hunsberger at mhunsberger@messiah.edu.
About Brahms’ Requiem
In contrast to the heaven-storming, fire and brimstone Requiems of composers such as Berlioz and Verdi, Johannes Brahms’ “A German Requiem” is a work of peaceful consolation and surpassing beauty.
In keeping with the 19th century expanding symphonic style, Brahms’ “Requiem” is described as a non-liturgical work in German, based on passages from the Old and New Testament. This monumental seven-movement work is unique in that it shifts the musical focus from the dead to music that comforts the living. Brahms’ resulting creation is quite different from the original intent of the requiem mass.
Inspired by the death of his mother, the “Requiem” is Brahms’ single largest work, and was written in stages between 1865 and 1868. The work is composed of seven movements, with an over-riding musical arc and symmetry guiding the entire work. Although it was originally written and performed in German, in keeping with Brahms’ shift from Latin to the language of his audience, the Chorale will perform the work in English.
About Messiah College
Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Mechanicsburg, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg.
