The Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, a Festival Chorus of
200 local singers and four acclaimed soloists will come together at
Stambaugh Auditorium on Friday, April 25, to perform an historic
concert—the Verdi Requiem. They will join conductor Susan Davenny Wyner for this special performance honoring tenor Luciano Pavarotti
whose death this past September is mourned the world over.The
concert presents a rare opportunity to hear the Requiem, which has not
been performed in the area since Franz Bibo conducted its performance
by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra in the late 1970’s. Davenny Wyner
says, “Verdi’s music is powerful, dramatic and intense. It goes from
barest whispers to extraordinary outbursts of emotion, and in
Stambaugh’s marvelous acoustics, the huge chorus, soloists and
orchestra, which has 8 trumpets, should sound glorious.”The
performers for the Verdi include the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, a
Festival Chorus of 200 singers from the greater area — including the
Stambaugh Chorus, Don Megahan, director, Westminster College Choral Department, Dr. Robin A. Lind, director, and Seraphim Chorus, Kris Harper, director — and
four acclaimed soloists. Soprano Charlene Canty and baritone Brian
Keith Johnson, two of the area’s most famous singers, will be joined by
two nationally acclaimed artists — mezzo-soprano Stephanie Chigas and
tenor Darren Anderson — who will make their area debuts.Because
the Requiem is a piece that Pavarotti loved deeply and sang often,
Davenny Wyner feels it appropriate to tribute the Requiem to him.
“Pavarotti was amazing in the emotion, sheer voice and passion that he
brought to his singing. Because this piece is so powerful and grand in
scale, it feels right for us to embrace our community in his honor.”
200 local singers and four acclaimed soloists will come together at
Stambaugh Auditorium on Friday, April 25, to perform an historic
concert—the Verdi Requiem. They will join conductor Susan Davenny Wyner for this special performance honoring tenor Luciano Pavarotti
whose death this past September is mourned the world over.The
concert presents a rare opportunity to hear the Requiem, which has not
been performed in the area since Franz Bibo conducted its performance
by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra in the late 1970’s. Davenny Wyner
says, “Verdi’s music is powerful, dramatic and intense. It goes from
barest whispers to extraordinary outbursts of emotion, and in
Stambaugh’s marvelous acoustics, the huge chorus, soloists and
orchestra, which has 8 trumpets, should sound glorious.”The
performers for the Verdi include the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, a
Festival Chorus of 200 singers from the greater area — including the
Stambaugh Chorus, Don Megahan, director, Westminster College Choral Department, Dr. Robin A. Lind, director, and Seraphim Chorus, Kris Harper, director — and
four acclaimed soloists. Soprano Charlene Canty and baritone Brian
Keith Johnson, two of the area’s most famous singers, will be joined by
two nationally acclaimed artists — mezzo-soprano Stephanie Chigas and
tenor Darren Anderson — who will make their area debuts.Because
the Requiem is a piece that Pavarotti loved deeply and sang often,
Davenny Wyner feels it appropriate to tribute the Requiem to him.
“Pavarotti was amazing in the emotion, sheer voice and passion that he
brought to his singing. Because this piece is so powerful and grand in
scale, it feels right for us to embrace our community in his honor.”
The performance begins at 8pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.stambaughauditorium.com or by calling the Stambaugh Auditorium box office at 330-259-0555.
In
accordance with the wishes of Henry H. Stambaugh, the mission of Stambaugh Auditorium. is to present events for the enjoyment,
entertainment and education of the people of Youngstown and the
surrounding communities.
Choral Director Biographies
Don Megahan, Director, Stambaugh Chorus
Dr. Robin A. Lind, Director of Choral Music Activites, Westminster College
Kris Harper, Director, Seraphim Community Chorus
Choral Organization Profiles
Stambaugh Chorus
Seraphim Chorus
Westminster College and Choral Department