DEARBORN — The Dearborn Symphony concludes its season with one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring works ever composed: “Messa da Requiem” by Giuseppe Verdi, at 7:30 p.m. May 8 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.
Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Steven Jarvi, the performance will unite orchestra, chorus, and four soloists for an unforgettable musical experience.
Composed in 1874 in memory of Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni, Verdi’s “Requiem” is revered for its dramatic intensity and emotional depth. Though sacred in text, the work bears the unmistakable theatrical power of one of opera’s greatest masters. From the thunderous “Dies Irae” to the luminous and pleading “Libera me,” the piece moves from terror to tenderness, from despair to hope, demanding extraordinary artistry from every performer on stage.
Joining Dearborn Symphony for this monumental work is the Vanguard Grand Chorus under the direction of G. Kevin Dewey. The chorus plays a central role in the “Requiem,” delivering both the explosive force and hushed reverence that define Verdi’s sweeping vision.
The distinguished quartet of soloists features soprano Christina Parson, mezzo-soprano Kristin Clark, tenor Cameron Barrett Johnson, and bass Brian Kontes, each bringing significant national and international experience to the stage. Together, they carry some of the most soaring and emotionally charged music in the choral-orchestral repertoire.
“Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ is not simply a concert work, it’s an event,” Jarvi said. “It confronts life’s biggest questions with unflinching honesty and breathtaking beauty. Experiencing it live is overwhelming in the best possible way.”
This performance also marks the return of Verdi’s “Requiem” to the COMPAC 25 years after its opening in September 2001. A work that grapples with grief, hope, and transcendence feels especially meaningful as we reflect on a quarter century of shared history in this space.
With its massive forces, dramatic contrasts, and profound humanity, Verdi’s “Requiem” stands as one of the great masterpieces of Western music. This season finale promises an evening of intensity, reflection, and transcendence, a shared musical experience that will resonate long after the final notes fade.
Ticket prices range from $18 to $38 for adults and $10 to $15 for students. Tickets are available by calling the Symphony office or the Michael A. Guido Theater box office at 313-943-2354. Go to dearbornsymphony.org for more information.
The Dearborn Symphony has partnered with local restaurants for “Dinner and a Concert.” The restaurants offer a 20 percent discount to symphony ticket-holders on concert nights. Reservations are recommended at Dearborn restaurants Mint 29, TRIA at The Henry, Roman Village, and Antonio’s Cucina Italiana in Dearborn Heights and Canton.
Season sponsors include Dearborn Sausage Co. and North Empire with additional support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Dearborn Symphony, under the leadership of conductor Steven Jarvi, has been named “Outstanding Community Orchestra” six times by Detroit Music Awards and is a contributor of the arts in Dearborn and the Downriver community.