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Arts & Entertainment

Taconic Opera - Puccini's Messa di Gloria & Gounod's Requiem

Before Madame Butterfly or La Bohème, Puccini began his composing career with a Mass as part of a graduation exercise at the Istituto Musicale Pacini where he studied.  The Agnus Dei and Kyrie became so famous he decided to include them in some of his operas.  This work makes it clear why Puccini was chosen to ascend to the throne, becoming the reigning monarch of opera in the 20th century.  In addition, rarely performed, if ever, in the United States, Gounod’s Requiem will also round out the concert.  Gounod died leaning over this music at his table as he put the final touches on this masterpiece.  This work is generally only heard in Europe because of publication restrictions.  Since Gounod was never able to complete all the orchestration himself, the Requiem has been newly reworked to conform more with the composer’s intentions and is now available to U.S. conductors for the first time. 

These two extraordinary works will be presented on one day only, Sunday, February 27, 2011, at 3:00 pm at the Ossining Methodist Church, corner of Emwilton St. and Route 9, Ossining, NY.  Tickets are $25, or $20 for seniors and students.  For information, tickets or directions: call (914) 245-3415 or email operasopr@verizon.net or visit www.taconicopera.org.

This concert is made possible, in part, by the New York Council on the Arts and ArtsWestchester with funds from Westchester County government, corporations and individuals.

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