February 17, 2010

Cascadian Chorale Presents Mozart Requiem

The Bellevue-based Cascadian Chorale continues its 2009-2010 season by joining with three Seattle-area choruses to sing the Mozart Requiem. A single performance will be held Sunday, March 14, 2:00 pm, at the Northwest’s premier venue, Benaroya Hall, located in Downtown Seattle.

The Cascadian Chorale is pleased to collaborate with the Everett Chorale, Rainier Chorale, Vashon Island Chorale, and the Sammamish Symphony to present the Mozart Requiem. Since its completion in 1792, the Mozart Requiem has been performed for the interment of such dignitaries as Napoléon Bonaparte, President John F. Kennedy, and Princess Diana.

The Mozart Requiem was commissioned by Franz Count von Walsegg in 1791 to commemorate the death of his wife, the Countess Anna von Walsegg. While in the midst of a number of significant projects, Mozart began work on the Requiem in summer of 1791. As Mozart composed, mounting fear grew within him that this would be his last work. Sadly, this proved to be the case, as his untimely death on December 5, 1791, at the age of 35, left it unfinished. In the aftermath of his death, a number of myths arose about the creation of the Mozart Requiem. Unfortunately, one of them has been perpetuated by the film version in which composer Antonio Salieri plays a part in Mozart's death. In truth, Mozart's widow entrusted completion of the Requiem to Franz Xavier Süssmayr, his pupil and confidant, and it was this version that first appeared to the world in 1792.

Almost 220 years later, it remains a last testament to the genius of Mozart. Movements of majestic praise, fearful pleading, fervent yearning, and haunting beauty lead us through the heights and depths of the human experience.

Prior to presenting the Requiem together, each choral group will perform several selections from its own repertoire. The Cascadian Chorale will be performing three works: Johannes Brahms’ delicate “In stiller Nacht” (In Stillest Night), John David Earnest’s raucous “My Papa’s Waltz,” and Eric Whitacre’s ethereal “Sleep.”

Tickets are $30 at the door. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance through a chorus member. Advance tickets may be purchased by contacting the Cascadian Chorale box office at 206-286-6028 or tickets@cascadianchorale.org, or by going online to www.cascadianchorale.org.

About Cascadian Chorale

The Cascadian Chorale is a select, 25-voice ensemble dedicated to the performance and promotion of fine choral music. The Chorale has performed at Benaroya Hall and Town Hall in Seattle, the Bellevue Art Museum and Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Bastyr University Chapel, Daniels Recital Hall, and many other outstanding venues. Recent repertoire includes the Requiems of Brahms, Duruflé, Fauré and Mozart, and Te Deum settings by Handel, Bern Herbolsheimer and Arvo Pärt. The Chorale has commissioned and premiered several works by the Northwest’s leading composers. In June 2007 members of the Chorale joined the Tacoma Symphony Chorus at the Rome International Choral Festival, also performing in Florence and Siena, Italy. Since 2008, the Chorale has been conducted by Artistic Director Gary Cannon and is accompanied by Jerrod Wendland. Membership is by audition only. More information is available at www.cascadianchorale.org..

Contacts

Gary Cannon, Artistic Director
(206) 947-7464
director@cascadianchorale.org

Trevor Tsang, Public Relations
(425) 894-7131
trevortsang@yahoo.com