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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — On Saturday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall, fans of choral music, devotional music and opera will join the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for a special production of Verdi’s Requiem.  The Springfield Symphony Orchestra  and the Springfield Symphony Chorus (Nikki Stoia, conductor) will share the stage with the Illuminati Vocal Arts Ensemble and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Chamber Choir (Tony Thornton, conductor) and Chorale (Stephen A. Paparo, conductor).  BUY TICKETS

“There is no feeling left unturned in this greatest creation by Italy’s greatest composer,” said Maestro, Kevin Rhodes, Music Director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. “Losing loved ones to the inexorable march of time is the one thing every human being shares with another.  You can forget the specifics of the apocalyptic music for the ‘Day of Judgement’ or the actual meaning behind the prayerful ‘Libera Me’ and just open yourself to the emotions of the music by this master communicator.  Listening to this piece is like spending a few moments with everyone you’ve ever lost.”

Called Verdi’s greatest opera, Requiem’s drama and intensity will be amplified by the many voices joining the Springfield Symphony Orchestra on stage, “By combining the vocal forces of the Springfield Symphony Chorus and two choral groups from UMass, Symphony Hall will be filled with over 300 voices and musicians performing simply the most exciting choral work of the 19^th century,” said Rhodes.

Prior to the concert, from 6:30 to 7 p.m., ticket holders will have the opportunity to attend Classical Conversations, a half-hour informal discussion featuring guest lecturer John Montanari.  “Think of Classical Conversations as a way to pull back the curtain and take a peek behind the scenes at the Symphony,” Rhodes explained. “Attendees will learn a bit of history about the composers, their lives and the pieces that will be performed later in the evening.”

For 35 years, John Montanari was music director and classical music host for New England Public Radio/WFCR where he programmed classics from all over the world, including musics performed by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.  Since 1990, Montanari also has selected the artists and programs for Music in Deerfield (now called Valley Classical Concerts), a chamber music series held at Smith College in Northampton, and has done pre-concert discussions for several other New England concert organizations. Currently, he sings in Pioneer Valley Cappella, a chamber choir based in Northampton, teaches occasional courses for the Amherst Leisure Services and Supplemental Education, and muses on music on his blog called “Stay Tuned” at johnmontanari.com.

Tickets for Verdi Requiem may be purchased at the Springfield Symphony Orchestra box office by calling 413-733-2291, online, or by visiting in person at 1441 Main Street, Suite 121 in Springfield, Massachusetts.