| "If I were threatened with the destruction of the
whole of my works save one, I should crave mercy for the Grande Messe
des Morts." Hector Berlioz In May 2003, in celebration of the
birth of the great French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz, three
highly successful Ontario regional choral organizations-Chorus Niagara,
the Mississauga Choral Society and The Cellar Singers (of Orillia)-will
embark on a unique collaboration to present Berlioz's most monumental
artistic creation, the Grande Messe des Morts.
More commonly referred to as the Berlioz Requiem, this is one of the
most expansive choral-orchestral works ever conceived. To the ears of
the day this was no traditional Requiem Mass, but rather a sacred drama
of often terrifying proportions. Berlioz's innovative and brilliant
orchestration techniques were revolutionary and, even today, Berlioz is
an icon in the development of orchestration and considered to be the
leading avant-garde composer of that generation.
This extraordinary work was written for a massive orchestra and
chorus. In its original performance in 1837, there were 400 performers
in total assembled: an orchestra of 140 players, four brass ensembles
(positioned at four corners of the stage) and a chorus of over 250.
Because of the immensity of the forces needed to present the work,
performances of the Berlioz Requiem today are rare.
"Producing this colossal work in this important 200th Berlioz
Anniversary year has taken the collective will, hard work and passion
of three organizations-their Boards, administration, conductors and
singers", said Chorus Niagara's Artistic Director Robert Cooper. "All
three choirs are excited to be able to participate in this artistic
collaboration which not only presents participants with a
once-in-a-lifetime experience, but also provides a unique listening
opportunity for audiences within three regions in Ontario."
Conductor Robert Cooper leads over 325 performers (a 250-voice
massed choir and an orchestra of 80) in three performances of the
overpowering Berlioz Requiem.
Generously supported by
The OntarioTrillium Foundation
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