Verdi's heartfelt masterpiece

Three performances of Verdi's enchanting Requiem arrive this fall. Conducted by Yannick Nzet-Sguin, Verdi's great mass will feature soloists Leah Hawkins, mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill, tenor Matthew Polenzani, and bass-baritone Dmitry Belosselskiy. Originally written in memory of Italian poet and Verdi's peer, Alessandro Manzoni in 1874, it was a great hit, with comparisons being made to Mozart's Requiem.

Verdi could not bring himself to attend the funeral for his admired friend and artistically, instead creating a Requiem Mass in memory of Manzoni's life. A truly powerful piece, from the instantly recognizable Dies Irae (or funeral march) to the sublime finale. With the entire Met Opera plus its special guests, Requiem promises to be an emotional night as Verdi's profound sense of loss is translated into this symphonic masterpiece.