Members of the Chamber Choir are relishing the opportunity to perform Mozart’s Requiem Mass with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra this weekend.
The choir is joining forces with the Dubuque Chorale and singers from University of Wisconsin-Platteville to sing Mozart’s monumental work with the accompaniment of the orchestra. The symphony will be conducted by Maestro William Intriligator.
Requiem Mass is one of Mozart’s most popular and well-respected works. It was composed in 1791, during the last year of his life. Sadly, Mozart wasn’t able to finish the Requiem before his death, and it was later completed primarily by Franz Xaver Süssmayr.
The Requiem Mass is composed of 14 movements. Mozart completed the Requiem up until the Lacrimosa, which is about the midpoint.
“I feel as though getting to sing Mozart’s Requiem is not only an honorable and privileged experience for us, but also it is a great tribute to Mozart and the beauty of the Catholic funeral Mass,” said junior Ray Werner. “This piece, especially Lacrimosa, holds significance and meaning as Mozart’s last composition.”
The Loras Chamber choir is a small group of 18 auditioned singers, so singing with more than 100 members of the Dubuque Chorale, not to mention being accompanied by a full orchestra, is a new experience.
“I’m really excited to have the chance to sing with other choirs from around the tri-state area,” said Junior Drew Chapman.
The singers have been preparing for this concert since the beginning of the semester. For the past few weeks, they have been attending rehearsals with the Dubuque Chorale.
“We’ve put a lot of work into this and I’m excited to hear the outcome,” said Junior Patience Chiles. “At our last rehearsal, Maestro Intriligator said we’re one of the most impressive groups that he’s ever heard sing the Requiem.”
The singers promise a great performance. Speaking of his favorite movement of the Requiem, Chapman said “anybody who comes to the concert won’t be disappointed when they hear us sing the Dies Irae.”
The singers will have two performances, on Saturday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m., and again on Sunday, March 14, at 2 p.m., both at the Five Flags Theatre in Dubuque. Student tickets are $5, and they are available for purchase for one hour prior to each performance at the Dubuque Five Flags Theatre Ticket Counter with a valid student ID.