Verdi's Requiem is the loudest piece of grief ever written for a concert hall — the Dies irae alone deploys hammering timpani and four brass choirs — and hearing it from an orchestra built out of displaced Ukrainian musicians changes what it is about. Keri-Lynn Wilson conducts the Metropolitan Opera Chorus and a solo quartet led by Ailyn Pérez. It's a winter-caliber program landing in the quietest week of summer.
What to expect
A full symphony orchestra plus the Metropolitan Opera Chorus filling the Wu Tsai Theater stage, opening with Frolyak's Gloria before the roughly 90-minute Requiem. The four vocal soloists sing from the front of the stage, and the Dies irae passages are physically loud — the acoustic in the renovated hall is unusually direct. Expect a long ovation.
Good to know
- David Geffen Hall is on the north side of the Lincoln Center plaza; 1 train to 66th St–Lincoln Center
- The renovated hall has strong sound from the rear and side tiers, so cheaper seats hold up well
- The Requiem runs roughly 90 minutes; the full evening with the opening work is longer
- Latecomers are seated only at a break in the music — this program has few
- Wheelchair seating and assistive listening are available through the Lincoln Center box office
- The orchestra plays a different program on its other tour night, so check which one you are booking
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Common questions
What is the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra?
An orchestra founded to bring together Ukrainian musicians displaced by the war alongside Ukrainian members of European ensembles, touring under conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson.
Who sings the Verdi Requiem solos?
Soprano Ailyn Pérez, mezzo-soprano Natalie Lewis, tenor René Barbera and bass Soloman Howard, with the Metropolitan Opera Chorus.
Is this the same program both nights of the tour stop?
No. The two Geffen Hall nights carry different programs — only one of them is the Frolyak and Verdi pairing.
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