BU Concert Choir welcomes alumni to perform Mozart’s Requiem

The Brandon University (BU) Concert Choir will welcome back four of its former members as soloists for a concert this week.

Soprano Sharon Rogers, mezzo Erika Rasmussen, tenor Clint McLachlan and bass Nicholas Urquhart will join the BU Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Andrée Dagenais, for a performance of Mozart’s Requiem on Saturday, March 23 at Knox United Church.

“These four talented musicians all came through the School of Music Choral Program at various times in the last 15 years,” Dagenais said.

“These musicians have embarked on successful careers in performance and teaching or are pursuing further studies, and we are thrilled that they will join us.”

Mozart’s Requiem is considered one of the great masterworks of western art music. Commissioned just a few weeks before Mozart’s death, the work was left unfinished. The portion composed by Mozart includes vocal parts and the figured bass from the beginning of the Requiem until the end of the Offertorium with, otherwise, only sparse indications of his writing. These include the trombone solo composed by Mozart that opens the Tuba mirum as well as other thematic ideas.

“To prepare and rehearse such a masterpiece has been one of this year’s highlights for students of Brandon University Concert Choir,” Dagenais said. “They look forward to be inspired by our Alumni and anticipate rehearsing with them with great enthusiasm.”

For this performance, Dr. Aaron Wilson of the School of Music will join the soloists to play the solo trombone part. The piano accompaniment will be provided by BU alumna Xiaoni Shen.

Knox United Church is located at the corner of 17^th Street and Victoria Avenue, in Brandon. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m., and admission is $12, with rush seating.

Please contact the School of Music Main Office at 204-727-7388 or music@brandonu.ca for more information, or with any accessibility considerations.

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