The Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra resumes the traditional Igrejas Series on Sunday, April 28th. The initiative, which takes concert music to different religious temples in the city, has been interrupted since 2020. To mark the special occasion, the Orchestra will be joined by the OSPA Symphonic Choir, which will perform its first performance in 2024, and two guest singers , Santiago Vidal and Alfonso Mujica. Maestro Manfredo Schmiedt leads the presentation, which is called Puccini 100, in honor of the great Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, whose death turns 100 in 2024. The concert takes place at the Santo Antônio do Pão dos Pobres Sanctuary, at 6pm. Entry is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
The concert begins with an interpretation of “Leonora Overture nº 3”, by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Without the presence of the Symphonic Choir, the Orchestra performs this piece that was written as an overture to Beethoven’s only opera, “Fidélio”.
Then, the OSPA Symphonic Choir joins the Orchestra for the main attraction of the concert: the “Missa de Glória, SC 6”, by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924). According to Manfredo Schmiedt, this will be the first presentation of the work in Porto Alegre. Currently with around 80 members, the OSPA Symphonic Choir has been rehearsing the “Missa de Glória, SC 6” since the beginning of the year. In addition to the Orchestra and the Choir, the mass also involves the participation of two solo singers specially invited for the concert: the Uruguayan baritone Alfonso Mujica and the Argentine tenor Santiago Vidal.
Premiered in 1880, when Puccini was just 18 years old, “Missa de Glória, SC 6” demonstrates the precocious genius of the composer, who would later become famous for operas such as “La Bohème”, “Tosca” and “Madama Butterfly”. Although the premiere was a great success, Puccini shelved the work and did not present it again during his lifetime, distancing himself from sacred music. Rescued in 1951 by Father Dante del Fiorentino, the Mass became part of the choral repertoire around the world.
CHURCHES SERIES CONCERT – PUCCINI 100
- SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024
- Start of the concert: at 6pm.
- Where: Santo Antônio do Pão dos Pobres Sanctuary (Rua da República, 838, Porto Alegre, RS).
- FREE ENTRANCE
- Indicative rating: not recommended for children under 6 years old.
