In less than two weeks, Carnegie Mellon's own Repertory Chorus will join forces with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a concert entitled, Singing City. The Chorus will be part of a larger choir of 2,000 voices prepared by Robert Page and Christine Hestwood. PSO Music Director Manfred Honeck will lead the 2,000 voice choir along with the the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as they perform such selections as the Dies Irae from Verdi's Requiem, the stirring chorale from Sibelius's Finlandia, the final movement of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 and a commissioned work by Jonny Priano. The PSO will also perform highlights from Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and Aaron Copland's perennially popular Fanfare for the Common Man.
On preparing the choir for this performance, Robert Page remarked: "It is incredibly inspiring to make music at this level, to bring together such a diverse body of singers singing great music and performing with one of the greatest orchestras in the world. Every rehearsal is an 'in the moment' experience. The focus and dedication of these singers is amazing."
This performance is a part of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Music for the Spirit Festival, a special initiative from Music Director Manfred Honeck who believes in the transcendent power of music - its unique ability to promote mutual sympathy and understanding between peoples of all cultures and faiths.
The Singing City concert will take place on Saturday, April 20th at 7:30 pm in the Peterson Athletic Center at the University of Pittsburgh.