Waukesha Choral Union Participating In Unprecedented Collaborative Performance of Verdi’s Requiem

The Waukesha Choral Union, Ernest Brusubardis III, music director, in collaboration with Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee, WI, Richard Hynson, music director, Milwaukee Choristers, Dr. James B. Kinchen, Jr., music director, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Edo de Waart, music director, will present Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the Oconomowoc Arts Center, Oconomowoc, WI.

Bel Canto Music Director Richard Hynson will conduct the performance. Participants and donors anticipate that the project will encourage additional partnerships, and eventually develop into a major annual choral festival in Southeastern Wisconsin. This event marks the first time that the three choruses will perform together, and the debut appearance at the new Oconomowoc Arts Center by all of the performers.

“The Waukesha Choral Union continues a long tradition of collaborating with other musicians and groups, putting together pieces of the very colorful and diverse arts community in which we live,” said Brusubardis. “I invite everyone to experience the excitement of a live performance of this incredible work in a beautiful, new venue.”

Hynson underscores the importance of the collaboration to the local arts community: “This event signals a new era of artistic cooperation between three venerable choruses and underscores the MSO’s commitment to community outreach and support. In addition to providing an opportunity for the four organizations to perform one of the most cherished choral-orchestral works in the repertoire, this project is the first step toward building mutual support and galvanizing members of the choral community into a more cohesive, unified voice in support of the choral art.”

Laurence E. Tucker, Vice President and Chief Program Office for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, adds: “The MSO is delighted to be a part of this groundbreaking collaboration. Our communities are filled with artistic talent and it is imperative that we support our fellow organizations, working together for the enrichment of these communities. Not only does the collaboration renew relationships between organizations, but it challenges us artistically and we learn from one another. Good things happen when people come together – in all walks of life.”

In addition to the three choruses and the orchestra, the performance will feature four high-caliber soloists: local soprano Tanya Kruse, mezzo soprano Stacey Rishoi (New York), tenor Scott Ramsay (Chicago), and bass Jake Gardner (New York).

The Requiem was first performed in Milan, Italy, on May 22, 1874, to commemorate the life of Italian writer and humanist Alessandro Manzoni. Verdi himself conducted the premiere performance of his “Mass for the Dead,” which is traditionally called Requiem from the first word of the text, Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, meaning "Grant them eternal rest, O Lord.” The piece, which requires at minimum a double chorus and large orchestra in addition to the soloists, lends itself perfectly to the more than 200 chorus members and 100 MSO performers that will join forces on May 16.

To purchase tickets ($20 - $28) please call the box office at (414) 481-8801 or visit http://www.belcanto.org. Senior, student, and group discounts are available.

About Waukesha Choral Union

The Waukesha Choral Union has been musically active in the community for over 50 years. Originally a combination of the Carroll College student chorus and community singers known as the Waukesha Choral Society in 1949, the group became the Town and Gown in 1961 and the Waukesha Choral Union in 1974, taking its present form as an auditioned choir in 1978.

About Bel Canto Chorus

Bel Canto Chorus is in its 79th season of providing the best possible choral experiences for residents of Southeastern Wisconsin. Ranking in the top 10% of all choral groups in the country, Bel Canto is Milwaukee's premier independent choral organization.

About Milwaukee Choristers

The Milwaukee Choristers began in November 1933, when a group of nearly 20 graduates of Milwaukee’s Riverside High School A Cappella Choir decided to meet, rehearse, and perform. The Milwaukee Choristers have since distinguished themselves as one of Milwaukee’s most versatile and popular vocal groups.

About Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

The MSO reaches out to diverse audiences through concert performances and nationally recognized education and outreach programs. All programs are guided by the MSO Family Shared Vision, which states that the MSO exists for three purposes: to comfort, educate, entertain, and exhilarate the human soul through events of cultural significance, relevance, and artistic challenge; to embrace, preserve and foster our musical heritage; and to enhance the vibrancy of our community.