The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra (JSO) and The Evergreen Chorale will join forces for two powerful performances of Guiseppe Verdi’s dramatic Requiem. The first performance will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church in Denver. The second performance will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m. at the Colorado School of Mines Green Center.
The Verdi Requiem is one of the most popular pieces in the choral repertoire. It is a powerhouse composition featuring all the drama of an opera but within the context of a catholic funeral mass. It offers its soloists soaring melodies to showcase their vocal prowess, beautiful harmonies that highlight the chorale and expertly crafted orchestration with dynamics ranging from delicate to a veritable tidal wave of sound. It boasts some of the most memorable melodies in classical music.
Guest Artists for this special production include:
Kara 
Guggenmos, Lyric Soprano: Guggenmos has become an audience favorite having performed with the JSO in performances of Carmina Burana, Eine deutsches Requiem, Strauss’ Last Four Songs as well as in several holiday concerts. Guggenmos maintains a busy performance schedule with orchestras and opera companies throughout the state including the Longmont Symphony and Opera Colorado. She is also a vocal coach the Worship Director at Calvary Church in Longmont, CO.
Sarah Barber, Mezzo Soprano: Barber has earned critical acclaim and several awards for the warmth and beauty of her voice. She has performed featured roles with opera companies throughout the state and across the country including Central City Opera, West Bay Opera and the Des Moines Metro Opera. She has also served on the faculties of the University of Colorado Boulder, Denver School of the Arts and Front Range Community College.
Brian Stinar, Tenor: The JSO is pleased to have Stinar return to the JSO stage. His impressive vocals and engaging personality have made him popular with audiences everywhere. In addition to performing as a soloist with orchestras, he has sung over 30 leading roles in opera productions nationwide. He also teaches operatic and musical theater techniques to singers, actors and dancers in Denver studio.
Steven Taylor, Baritone: Taylor’s singing career ranges from opera and oratorio to musical theater, gospel and jazz. He performs extensively with symphony orchestras as well as in theater and with his acclaimed gospel group LEGACY. He has performed with opera companies throughout the state including sixteen seasons with Opera Colorado. He is currently the Dean of the school of music at Colorado Christian University.
The Evegreen Chorale which is currently celebrating its 44th Season, will perform with the JSO for these special events. With over 90 members, it is one of Colorado’s largest and most active community choirs. The JSO and the Evergreen Chorale have a history of successful collaborations including performances of Brahm’s Eine deutsches Requiem, Handel’s Messiah and a performance of Mahler’s Ressurection Symphony.
The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra (JSO) is currently celebrating its 63rd anniversary concert season. What began as a small chamber ensemble in 1953 has grown to one of the most well regarded community symphonic orchestras in Colorado comprised of over 75 members from across the Front Range area. Under the leadership of Maestro William Morse, Music Director and Principal Conductor, the orchestra continues to bring innovative musical programming to the community.
Verdi Requiem
Friday, April 29, 2016 – 7:30p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203
Saturday, April 30, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. at Colorado School of Mines Green Center, 924 16th Street, Golden, CO 80401
Guest Artists: Kara Guggenmos, Lyric Soprano; Sarah Barber, Mezzo Soprano; Brian Stinar, Tenor; Steven Taylor, Barritone.
Concert tickets may be purchased in advance at www.jeffsymphony.org, by calling 303-278-4237 or at the door before the concert.
Individual ticket prices are: Adult $25, Senior (62+) $20, Student (11-21yrs old) $10, Child (10yrs old and under) $5.
The Jefferson Symphony is a nonprofit organization supported by grants from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) as well as other organizations. Additional funding is provided by corporate and individual donations and ticket purchases. The JSO presents a classical concert season, recital series, the International Young Artists Competition and a free summer concert in Golden’s Parfet Park.
For more information: www.jeffsymphony.org * email: office@jeffsymphony.org * Tel: 303-278-4237
Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Photo Credit: Ted Trainor