Verdi’s Requiem

In the midst of a 2015 season dedicated to love, and interspersed with its current production of Faust, the State Opera of South Australia has pulled a wildcard out of the hat with two nights of the hundred-minute choral masterpiece that is Italian composer Verdi’s Requiem or Mass for the Dead.

Staged for two nights only, the performance was a fine melding of the indefatigable State Opera Chorus, the superb Adelaide Symphony orchestra and four wonderful South Australian operatic voices.

Soprano Teresa La Rocca’s voice soared effortlessly, while alto Elizabeth Campbell highlighted the drama of this brilliant and exhilarating work. Tenor Diego Torre’s voice was passionate and magnificent, while bass-baritone Douglas McNicol added gravitas and intensity to the total performance.

First performed in 1874, Requiem is a work of operatic genius, but primarily a choral piece. The State Opera Chorus could not be faulted as it delivered the multiple elements of the choral component, producing a superlative performance.

Conducted by SOSA Artistic Director Timothy Sexton and belying the difficulty of Verdi’s score, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra played wonderfully.  

The Faust set, plus a large crucifix, provided a dramatic backdrop to the choir and soloists. Trumpeters played from the set’s balconies and it was thrilling to see and hear the large bass drums, positioned as they were on stage with the singers.

This was a memorable performance of an enduring and exhilarating masterpiece.

Lesley Reed