Articles

Alexandria Symphony and joint chorus produce a powerful Verdi Requiem

By Celia H. Porter, The Washington Post "Lifestyle"
March 13, 2011

Requiem: Lamentable Soloists, Great Chorus

By Anne Midgette, Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Slavery's Unchained Melodies
Spirituals, or 'Sorrow Songs,' Find a Reverent New Voice
By Neely Tucker , Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, February 20, 2005

Reviews

All Arts Review 4U

"Conductor Kim Allen Kluge gave the most powerful concert ever of Verdi's "REQUIEM". He fully utilized the percussions and had placed some of the brass in the balcony for a total musical experience. The huge mixed chorus of the Alexandria Choral Society, the Heritage Signature Chorale, the Metropolitan Chorus and the NOVA Community Chorus filled the halls with dazzling sounds throughout. This Verdi composition was not unlike one of his operas. Every so often on could pick out musical phrases from his other works especially the chorus when they sang one section that was not unilike the "Chorus of Hebrew Slaves" from "Nobucco". And the quartet singing was beautifully varied throughout. The featured singers all had powerful voices that intensified over the huge chorus. During the first part, although the singers were all exceptional, there was some blending problems when they were grouped. However, the "Domine Jesu" that opened the second part of the program was totally delicious. And the finale with the excellent soprano soaring over the chorus with "Libera Me" ("Deliver Me") brought forth "goosebumps". Jan Cornelius was the soprano. Stacey Rishoi had wonderful overtones for her mezzo and her lower range was wonderful. Bass-baritone Gus Andreassen was the overall favorite with his smooth lower range and his impetuous and dramatic singing. Only tenor Scott Six showed a rough edge in his upper range that bordered on unpleasantness but his mid and lower range was full bodied and very clean. Alexandria has a "jewel" in its midst with the Alexandria Symphony. The house was nearly full for this performance and it should be that way all of the time. (Reviewed by Bob Anthony)

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