Brahms' Requiem March 20, 2010

Under the direction of David Morales, the Cantare Chorale, 117 singers strong, with full orchestra will present Johannes Brahms' Requiem. Joining the Chorale will be soloists Candace Johnson, soprano, and Jere Torkelsen, bass.

Using texts from the Hebrew and Christian testaments and the Apocrypha, Brahms' lyric melodies and rich harmonies speak words of comfort, unleashing music's astonishing power to heal. Says Morales, "Brahms' choice of scripture speaks to the very humanness that defines us, superseding any one religious doctrine." To bring contemporary relevance to Brahms' universal themes of life and purpose, seven outstanding young creative writers from the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center in Oakland will offer their 21st century urban perspective on loss, death, hope and joy, interspersed between the movements of this magnificent masterwork.

Candace Johnson, lyric coloratura soprano, has performed numerous lead roles including Puccini's Suor Angelica and Mozart's Nozze di Figaro. She was a finalist in the National Leontyne Price Competition and has studied with Shirley Verrett and Grace Bumbry, among others. A member of the San Francisco Opera Chorus since 1987, Jere Torkelsen has performed solo roles in numerous operas including Madama Butterfly, Cosi fan tutte,The Marriage of Figaro, and The Tales of Hoffmann, as well as soloing in the Verdi and Mozart Requiems.

The concert will be performed on Saturday, March 20th, 7:30pm at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie (off California), Walnut Creek. This venue is wheel chair accessible.

Official Website: http://www.cantareconvivo.org