UW Symphony, Choirs to Perform ‘Brahms Requiem’

The combined University of Wyoming choirs will join the UW Symphony Orchestra to perform the "Brahms Requiem" Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts concert hall.

Tickets cost $10.50 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens and $6.50 for UW students. Call (307) 766-6666 to order tickets. Tickets also are available at www.uwyo.edu/finearts , or in person at the Fine Arts and UW Union box offices.

"The Brahms Requiem is one of the monumental pieces every musician should play or sing at some point in any career," says Nicole Lamartine, UW's director of choral activities.

The performance features the UW Collegiate Chorale, Bel Canto Singers, Singing Statesmen and the Laramie Civic Chorus. They will be joined by Maureen Boddicker, soprano soloist, and Larry Hensel, baritone soloist.

Written in 1866, the work combines traits of the Romantic era with Baroque fugues, says Professor Michael Griffith, UWSO director.

"The soaring Romantic melodies and rich harmonies of Brahms stand in stark contrast to the more formal, rigorous fugal treatment of some of the text," Griffith says. "The combination creates a work of great beauty and power. "

Zach Vreeman, director of the Bel Canto Singers and the Civic Chorus, will present a free pre-concert talk on the "Brahms Requiem" to give some historical and musical background on the piece. It will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Crane Studio.