St Albans Bach Choir - Antonin Dvorak Requiem Op 89 Date: Saturday 25 March 2023 Time: 7.30pm St Albans Bach Choir Andrew Lucas Conductor Ailish Tynan soprano Jess Dandy alto Sam Furness tenor Piran Legg bass Sinfonia Verdi Performance of Dvorak’s Requiem with Sinfonia Verdi Orchestra, Soloists and St Albans Bach Choir conducted by Andrew Lucas Antonín Dvořák (1841 - 1904) was celebrated in England in the late 19th century for his choral music. His Requiem was commissioned in 1989 for the Birmingham Music Festival and was first performed there in 1891, followed by a performance in Manchester in 1892. It was not heard in Dvořák’s native country until a few days later, such was his reputation in England. Written for concert performance and not liturgical use, it is a reflective rather than a dramatic statement of faith. Contemplation on death evokes not dread, but more sorrow at having to say farewell to those closest to him, to nature and to his beloved music. This is considered to be one of the most powerful settings of the Mass for the Dead. It is not the folksy Dvořák of dances and songs, but the work of a composer with considerable depth and feeling, and, by this stage in his life, complete technical mastery. The conductor Hans Richter described the Requiem as a work in which “there are places that make you want to cry out in pain and joy.” Tickets: Premium £30 - Centre front with full view Classic £25 - Centre middle with full view Standard plus £18 - Centre back with full view Standard £12 - Centre back with full view No view £12 - Mainly located in the aisles or behind pillars. These seats have no view of the stage. No view seats will only be released when seats with views have sold out. Concessions: Children under 16 free £12, Students with ID £12.Wheelchair spaces £25 and £12 (Classic and No View only), with a carer going free. Doors will open 30 minutes before concert starts. There is an interval of 20 minutes during this performance.