Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

A COMFORTING REQUIEM FOR UNSETTLING TIMES

For its first concert of the 2022-2023 season, the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, led by Peter Butterfield, presents a work that holds a special place in the hearts of generations of choral singers and audiences. The performance features soloists Jennifer Turner, soprano, and baritone Jaeman Yoon, who has recently moved to Victoria, along with a chamber orchestra including pianist Nancy Curry.

Countless composers over hundreds of years have written Requiems, but unlike those before or since, Brahms chose not to use the traditional Latin Mass text, which is a prayer for the dead and a warning of the Last Judgement. Instead, he uses words from the Lutheran bible and other sacred texts that console those who are left behind in a time of grief and loss.

Although many scholars point to the deaths of his friend and mentor Robert Schumann in 1856 and his mother in 1865 as the source of Brahms’ inspiration, he always emphasized its universal qualities, even saying he would be happy to call it A Human Requiem. In a few years he turned a single cantata into a major 7-movement work for choir, soloists and orchestra that brought him public acclaim and the respect of his musical peers during his lifetime and beyond.

Doors will open by 7 pm.
The VPC is grateful for the support of the CRD Arts & Culture Support Service.
Tickets online at vpchoir.ca until 4.30 pm on concert day.