Verdi’s Requiem
VSO with the Portland Symphonic Choir
Program:
Verdi Messa da Requiem
*Featuring the Portland Symphonic Choir
Soloists:
Abigail Krawson, soprano
Hannah Penn, mezzo soprano
Brian Cheney, tenor
Anton Belov, baritone
What’s the Story…
Verdi's Messa da Requiem is an epic masterpiece of passion, drama, and breathtaking power, performed by the Portland Symphonic Choir.
Verdi’s Messa da Requiem is a towering masterpiece of passion, drama, and profound emotion, brought to life by the powerful voices of the Portland Symphonic Choir. From the hushed awe of the opening Requiem to the thunderous Dies Irae, Verdi transforms the traditional mass into a gripping theatrical journey that confronts fear, hope, and redemption.
GET TO KNOW OUR GUEST ARTISTS:
Abby Crawson is an active soloist, educator, and performer with the Portland Opera Chorus, Portland Symphonic Choir, Renegade Opera, and other ensembles throughout the region. Her recent work spans opera, choral masterworks, recital, contemporary vocal performance, and collaborations with leading arts organizations across the Pacific Northwest.
Hanna Penn has performed more than twenty operatic roles with companies including Portland Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Florida Grand Opera, and Tacoma Opera. She is also an active concert artist, appearing with ensembles such as the Oregon Symphony, Portland Baroque Orchestra, Florida Philharmonic, and Seattle Baroque.
Brian Cheney is an internationally acclaimed crossover artist whose career spans opera, concert, musical theatre, television, and voiceover work. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, appeared with major orchestras and opera companies, and earned praise for his versatility, vocal beauty, and ability to move effortlessly across genres.
Anton Belov is an award-winning Juilliard-trained artist who has performed with opera companies and orchestras across the United States, including Portland Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and the Oregon Symphony. A Young Concert Artists International Auditions winner, he has appeared in recital and concert at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and other major venues nationwide.
Portland Choir & Orchestra is a nonprofit ensemble of about 100 singers and 45 instrumentalists that has presented choral and orchestral concerts throughout the region since 2005. Led by Artistic Director Dr. David Thomas and Orchestra Director Dr. Ken Selden, PCO performs sacred masterworks, holiday programs, patriotic concerts, and collaborations with notable guest artists.
ALL ABOUT VERDI
Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901) was one of the most important Italian composers of the 19th century.
He is best known for operas including La Traviata, Aida, Rigoletto, and Otello.
Verdi’s music is celebrated for its dramatic power, memorable melodies, and emotional directness.
He brought the same theatrical instincts that defined his operas to his Requiem.
His music remains central to opera houses and concert halls around the world.