On the eve of the saddest day of the Holy Week, Good Friday, the National Philharmonic Choir and the Sofia Philharmonic will perform Requiem, one of Giuseppe Verdi’s emblematic works. The idea to write such a piece occurred to the great Italian composer in 1868 when another celebrated Italian musician, Gioachino Rossini, died. At the suggestion of Verdi some of the most respected Italian composers united to create a mass commemorating their great colleague. The work was never performed though. So Giuseppe Verdi decided to dedicate his own Messa da Requiem to Rossiniand started work on the piece. An impetus for its completion was the death of Alessandro Manzoni – a romantic writer whom Verdi respected and admired.

In Bulgaria Verdi’s Requiem has been performed many tomes by various ensembles and soloists. More details about the concert on 5 April – from conductor Nayden Todorov:

“The occasion for the concert on Thursday is Good Friday. The Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi is magnificent music but above all it makes the audience ponder the life we live, how we can change it to the better, what is the meaning and impact of every human act. This is a universal message and I believe that we do have a reason to strike a spiritual balance, especially on the days preceding Easter. The Requiem itself should be performed exactly during this period of the year and I am very happy that we have included this piece in our program at the right moment.”

Maestro Todorov comments that theensemble of performers is a wonderful combination of acclaimed soloists, choir and orchestra:

“There are people whom I trust and whom I listen to especially when I do not have enough experience to make the right judgement. This applies to the selection of soloists for the Verdi piece. With some of them we have already been together on stage. I am always happy to work with soprano Maria Tsvetkova. She starred in the main part of Katerina Izmailova, an opera by Dmitri Shostakovich. The opera was premiered in Sofia as a production of the Ruse Opera House. I have conducted Verdi’s Requiem in Switzerland and Italy when she has been part of the soloists. I remember the wonderful response of the audience and the good reviews in the media. The other soloist is Vesselina Kasarova, a world-acclaimed mezzo-soprano. For me this is the first time we have teamed up for a project. After the very first rehearsal I was fascinated and happy with what I heard and felt. She is not only a remarkable singer but it is very easy to work with her and this matters a lot to me as conductor. The audience will also have the chance to relish the rendition of Mario Malagnini, one of the best Italian singers I know, a typical bel canto tenor. Anytime I have had the chance to work with him I haven’t missed it. I appreciate very much not only his lovely voice but also his knowledge and skills in vocal music. He not only benefits from his natural gifts but knows how to manage them. As to basso Cyril Rovery, he is a man whom I have heard of in connection with his international career. I have trusted the recommendation of Vesselina Kasarova and I am convinced that the choice is good. Regarding the National Philharmonic Orchestra it feels as though this piece was written especially for them. I am also glad to work with the Sofia Philharmonic, one of my favorite orchestras. Its musicians are capable of virtually reading minds and feelings.”

English Daniela Konstantinova

Photos: archive