Location
Appell Center for the Performing Arts
Date
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 7:30 PM EST
Duration
2 Hours
No Intermission
Programming
Giuseppe Verdi explores the harrowing voyage toward judgement day in the Messa da Requiem. The mix of the solemn and then overjoyed chorus blends with the striking symphony leaving an overpowering emotional impression.
Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín tells the story of the courageous Jewish prisoners in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp (Terezín) during World War II, who performed Verdi’s Requiem while experiencing the depths of human degradation.
The concert-drama film combined with live orchestra of Verdi’s magnificent music highlights video testimony from survivors of the original Terezín chorus and footage from the 1944 Nazi propaganda film about Theresienstadt. The performance also includes actors and chorus who speak the words of imprisoned conductor Rafael Schächter and others.
With only a single smuggled score, the Jewish prisoners performed the celebrated oratorio sixteen times, including one performance before senior SS officials from Berlin and an International Red Cross delegation. Conductor Rafael Schächter told the choir, “We will sing to the Nazis what we cannot say to them.”
Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín
Artists
Lawrence Golan
Conductor
Lawrence Golan is in high demand across the United States and internationally.
Read Bio >>
Rebecca Krynski Cox
Soprano
Hailed by The New York Times as a “vibrant soprano…with a secure, appealing sound and eye-opening volume,”
Read Bio >>
Spencer Hamlin
Tenor
Spencer Hamlin has been praised by Opera News for his “scintillatingly smooth” and “dazzling Italianate voice.”
Read Bio >>
Murry Sidlin
Creator
Murry Sidlin is the president and creative director of The Defiant Requiem Foundation.
Read Bio >>
York Symphony Chorus
Gretchen Krupp
Mezzo-Soprano
With a voice and delivery described as “show-stopping”, “ripe, round” and “searing”, Gretchen Krupp is quickly building a reputation for extraordinary vocalism and theatricality.
Read Bio >>
Michael Colman
Bass
Lyric bass Michael Colman, hailed by Opera News for “fielding a fine, dark bass-baritone”, has performed leading and supporting roles with premier opera companies.
Read Bio >>
Pre-Concert Talk
On the night of classical concerts, Pre-Concert Talks will take place from the front of the Appell Center’s Strand Theatre stage at 6:30-7PM. Admission is free for all ticket holders. Assistant Conductor Rebekah O’Brien will take you on an enlightening journey of the forthcoming concert. We look forward to seeing you!
Digital Access Instructions
Purchase a digital ticket online through your Appell Center account.
You will receive an email with a link to access the digital concert.
Click on the link to enjoy the YSO from your home during the 48-hour concert access.
How to Access the Digital Concert on a Smart TV
Before the concert
Click the link from your confirmation email on a computer, tablet or smart phone and add this video to your YouTube account’s “Watch Later” list.
To watch the concert
Go to the YouTube app on your Smart TV. Go to your “Watch Later” list and choose the digital concert. Sit back and enjoy the concert!
