On Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall, the Princeton University Glee Club and Princeton University Orchestra come together to present one of the most renowned masterpieces in classical music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, K.626. This performance of the legendary work — the last penned by the great composer — will be conducted by Renata Berlin, and will feature soloists from the University’s Department of Music’s Vocal Performance Faculty: soprano Rochelle Ellis, mezzo-soprano Barbara Rearick, tenor David Kellett, and bass Kevin Deas.

Prior to the Requiem, audiences will also be treated to a motet by Johann Sebastian Bach — his Jesu, meine Freude. In pairing these two works, the program promises to celebrate some of the most spiritual and intimate moments in the musical canon. The speculative images surrounding the Requiem — an anonymous commission, a widow desperate for money, a student huddled over Mozart’s deathbed frantically sketching Mozart’s last musical wishes by candlelight — feed directly into the drama and controversy over the greatest, unfinished choral masterpiece ever conceived. But the music does not need fables or legends to convince anyone of its genius. Bar after bar of profound grief, terror, and serenity written with such profound sincerity is what keeps performers and audience members returning to the Requiem time and time again.

Tickets are $15 general, $5 students. To purchase tickets, visit tickets.princeton.edu, or call (609) 258-9220.

The Princeton University Glee Club, consisting of Princeton University’s talented student singers, has been the largest choral body on campus since its inception in 1874 and has distinguished itself both nationally and overseas. The Glee Club is led this semester by Renata Berlin, who will conduct this concert.

The Princeton University Orchestra is made up of Princeton undergraduate student musicians. Now in its 119th year, the orchestra plays a wide range of works by composers from the Classical period to new works by Princeton composers.

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