Easter Concert — Verdi's Requiem

BOX OFFICE OPENING – 2026_2027 SEASON

June 18 to 21: exclusively for CCB Card holders

From June 22 onwards: general public

Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem is one of the most monumental works written within this genre, both in its scale and musical writing, which defy some of the constraints typically associated with this type of repertoire. The idea of composing a Requiem Mass arose from a historical motivation and personal admiration. Following the death of writer Alessandro Manzoni in 1873, a figure whom Verdi greatly admired — particularly for his literary contribution to the Risorgimento movement — the composer proposed the composition of a Messa da Requiem, an idea well received by the president of the Milan City Council.

Verdi embarked on composing the work with the intention of premiering it on the occasion of the first anniversary of Manzoni's death, on May 22, 1874. The premiere took place on that date at the Church of San Marco in Milan, under his baton and with a cast of renowned opera singers. Verdi's operatic language marks his approach to the genre. Throughout the sections of the work, Verdi uses different expressive resources that highlight the inspired melodies, dramatic and tense moments, moving through almost ethereal sonorities, in an overwhelming musical writing.

Pre-concert conversation 30 minutes before.

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