Dearborn Symphony concludes its season with one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring works ever composed: Messa da Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Steven Jarvi, the performance will unite orchestra, chorus, and four outstanding soloists for an unforgettable musical experience.
Composed in 1874 in memory of Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni, Verdi’s Requiem is revered for its dramatic intensity and emotional depth. Though sacred in text, the work bears the unmistakable theatrical power of one of opera’s greatest masters. From the thunderous “Dies Irae” to the luminous and pleading “Libera me,” the piece moves from terror to tenderness, from despair to hope, demanding extraordinary artistry from every performer on stage.
Joining Dearborn Symphony for this monumental work is the Vanguard Grand Chorus under the direction of G. Kevin Dewey. The chorus plays a central role in the Requiem, delivering both the explosive force and hushed reverence that define Verdi’s sweeping vision.
The distinguished quartet of soloists features soprano Christina Parson, mezzo-soprano Kristin Clark, tenor Cameron Barrett Johnson, and bass Brian Kontes, each bringing significant national and international experience to the stage. Together, they carry some of the most soaring and emotionally charged music in the choral-orchestral repertoire.
“Verdi’s Requiem is not simply a concert work, it’s an event,” says Jarvi. “It confronts life’s biggest questions with unflinching honesty and breathtaking beauty. Experiencing it live is overwhelming in the best possible way.”
This performance also marks the return of Verdi’s Requiem to the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center 25 years after its opening in September 2001. A work that grapples with grief, hope, and transcendence feels especially meaningful as we reflect on a quarter century of shared history in this space.
With its massive forces, dramatic contrasts, and profound humanity, Verdi’s Requiem stands as one of the great masterpieces of Western music. This season finale promises an evening of intensity, reflection, and transcendence, a shared musical experience that will resonate long after the final notes fade.
More information available at dearbornsymphony.org.
Experience an immersive evening celebrating the orchestra as a living, expressive art form that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and joy. Under the leadership of Maestro Steven Jarvi, the talented musicians of the Dearborn Symphony continue to deliver outstanding performances. Come see for yourself why the Symphony has been named “Outstanding Community Orchestra” by the Detroit Music Awards a record six times.
Ticket prices range from $18 to $38 for adults and $10 to $15 for students. Tickets are available by calling the Symphony office at 313-565-2424 or the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center theater box office at 313-943-2354. Visit dearbornsymphony.org for more information.
Dearborn Symphony has partnered with local restaurants for “Dinner and a Concert.” The restaurants offer a 20% discount to symphony ticket holders on concert nights. Reservations are recommended at Dearborn restaurants Mint 29, TRIA at The Henry, Roman Village, and Antonio’s Cucina Italiana in Dearborn Heights and Canton.
Season sponsors include Dearborn Sausage Co. and North Empire with additional support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
About Dearborn Symphony:
The Dearborn Symphony has been a cultural cornerstone of the community for 64 years, bringing world-class music to the heart of Dearborn. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, the orchestra continues to inspire, uplift, and enrich audiences with innovative programming and outstanding performances.
