Benjamin Britten's magnum opus War Requiem is one of the finest choral and orchestral works of the 20^th century.

Monumental in scope, this bold and inspired work is composed for two orchestras, a massed choir, a children's choir, three soloists and organ. Interwoven with powerful recitations from Missa pro defunctis Mass for the Dead and nine magnificent poems by the Great War poet, Wilfred Owen, it responds sensitively yet determinedly to the horrors and devastation of war and to the futility of man's inhumanity to man - a message which still resonates now as strongly as it did when Britten wrote it.

War Requiem was commissioned to mark the re-consecration of Coventry Cathedral, rebuilt after a 1940 German air-raid almost completely destroyed the original. After the first performance of War Requiem in 1962, a moment of reverential silence fell upon the audience; not a single clap was heard.

Fifty years after that momentous occasion and 100 years since the birth of its composer, War Requiem is to be heard in Auckland. Conducted by Eckehard Stier, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is joined by fêted Irish soprano Orla Boylan, tenor Timothy Robinson and baritone Ivan Ludlow, plus Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir, New Zealand Youth Choir and a combined children's choir to bring the spirit, genius and force of Britten's masterpiece to the Auckland Town Hall for one tremendous evening.

The opportunity for such a special experience is rare. Prepare to be moved.

Conductor Eckehard Stier

Soprano Orla Boylan

Tenor Timothy Robinson

Baritone Ivan Ludlow

Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir

New Zealand Youth Choir

Pre-concert talk: Sat 23 Mar

# In a nutshell: Magnificent mass choirs, exhilarating orchestras, music to move the heart and soul.

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