CSO features Mozart's Requiem - Nov. 14

photo Guest artist Mela Dailey, soprano, makes her Chattanooga Symphony & Opera debut tonight in Mozart's Requiem, part of the Masterworks series.

Mozart's Requiem, a composition shrouded in "a seductive, chilling mystery," will be the featured work in the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera's Masterworks series, to be presented tonight, Nov. 14, at the Tivoli Theatre.

According to the program notes, the piece was commissioned anonymously by Count von Walsegg through an intermediary, most likely so that he could pass the piece off as his own composition commemorating the anniversary of the death of his wife.

Mozart had completed about two-thirds of the Mass for the Dead when his life ended tragically at age 35.

Left unfinished, the piece incited several years of controversy, including a claim by his widow that he was writing it for his own funeral.

"Finally completed by his student Franz Süssmayr, the Mass has become a staple in the repertoire," says a news release. "It is uniquely heartbreaking and provides a fascinating enigma, despite the mystery surrounding it."

The performance, under the baton of Kayoko Dan, also will feature Mozart's Symphony No. 38. Referred to as the "Prague" Symphony, the work reflects his symphonic style at its most sophisticated.

Tonight's concert is co-presented by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Music Department. The UTC Chamber Singers, directed by Kevin Ford, will join the CSO Chorus, directed by Darrin Hassevoort.

Other guest artists are soprano Mela Dailey (making her CSO debut), mezzo-soprano Mary Creswell, tenor Kevin Hanrahan and baritone Jeffrey Jones.

IF YOU GO:* What: Mozart's Requiem by Chattanooga Symphony & Opera* When: 7:30 p.m. today, Nov. 14* Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.* Admission: $52-$81* Phone: 423-642-TIXS* Website: www.chattanoogasymphony.org

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