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Glacier Symphony and Chorale presents Durufle and Mozart requiems
March 07, 2011
editor@montanaliving.com
 
The concert begins with Maurice Durufle’s “Requiem” a work considered to be a 20th century masterpiece of the genre. Composed in 1947, the work employs Gregorian chant-inspired melodic arcs that evolve into harmonies and tranquil atmosphere. The piece will be performed with organ, three trumpets, harp, timpani and string orchestra with full chorus. Singing the mezzo-soprano role will be Kimberly James, a professor of voice at the University of Montana. Ricardo Herrera will sing the baritone role. Mr. Herrera is a sought after opera soloist who previously performed with the GSC in a 2008 production of “Carmen” and in the 2009 Festival Amadeus summer music event in Whitefish.
Mozart’s immortal “Requiem” was his last composition that was left unfinished at his death in 1791. It was completed by his assistant Sussmayre and has become a supreme example of Mozart’s religious, dramatic style that fused elements of the Viennese Classical sacred style with Italian and German operatic elements, says Zoltek.
The performance will feature the voice of soprano Gina Lapka, a well-known Northwest vocalist who is executive director of the Montana Lyric Opera Company based in Missoula. She previously sang in GSC’s production of “The Sound of Music” in 2008 and “Fallen Heroes” in 2009. Joining her will be another Montana opera star, tenor Jeffrey Kitto, who performed in GSC’s 2008 production of “Carmen.”
Glacier Chorale’s conductor, Jim Stanard, has been rehearsing the 80-voice chorale on overtime for the past two months to prepare them for this concert. He explains that Durufle and Mozart both had a deep understanding of voices and how to utilize them in rich, beautiful settings. “The Durufle has moments nothing short of exquisite when audience members may feel they are floating on a cloud. On the other hand, Mozart’s “Requiem” is full of musical drama, word painting, and striking contrapuntal lines. The vastly contrasting styles of these two works will make for a memorable evening of choral/symphonic music.”
Saturday’s concert on March 19, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Tickets are priced in two seating tiers with adult tickets ranging from $27-$32 and senior tickets ranging from $23-$27. College students through age 22 are priced from $10-$15. All youth through grade 12 are admitted free.
Sunday’s concert on March 20, will begin at 3 p.m. in the Flathead High School Performance Hall in Kalispell. Tickets are priced in four seating tiers. Adults seats range from $20-$32 and senior tickets range from $15-$28. College students (to age 22) are priced from $10-$15 and all youth through grade 12 are free. Tier four seating is priced at $10 for all ages.
To purchase tickets visit the website www.gscmusic.org or call the GSC boxoffice 257-3241. This concert weekend is sponsored by D.A. Davidson, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Whitefish Lake Lodge/The Spa/The Boat Club.
Chorale Conductor, Jim Stanard, will give a free preconcert talk discussing the stories behind the Mozart and Durufle Requiems starting 45 minutes before each concert. Signs posted in the lobby of each venue will direct patrons to the talk location.
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