Philharmonia Orchestra Residency: Verdi’s Requiem

The Edinburgh Festival Chorus joins the orchestra for Verdi's powerful setting of the Catholic funeral mass.

Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem tackles the taboo subject of death head on. Written in memory of the Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni, this choral prayer tells the story of Judgement Day through dramatic choruses and exquisite solos. With its operatic directness and intensity, it is no wonder that the composer Johannes Brahms declared this the creation of ‘a genius’.

From its mournful opening ‘Requiem aeternam’ to its urgent closing ‘Libera me’, the choral work transfixes. Other highlights include the terrifying 'Dies Irae', the pensive ‘Lacrimosa', the jubilant 'Sanctus' and the rapt ‘Lux aeterna’.

The Philharmonia Orchestra – and their Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali – collaborate with the Edinburgh Festival Chorus and four soloists for an unforgettable performance.

Arrive early at Usher Hall to enjoy a pop-up performance from Edinburgh Police Choir at 5.00–6.30pm.


Buy standard price tickets for all three Philharmonia evening concerts at Usher Hall and get 20% off. Excludes concessions and top-price tickets, more details over on Booking Info.


Supported by
Edinburgh International Festival Endowment Fund

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    Programme

    A souvenir programme is available for this performance. Available at the venue for £10 (card only). You can also pick up a freesheet with all the essential information you’ll need.

    Full Programme

    Philharmonia Orchestra
    Santtu-Matias Rouvali Conductor

    Edinburgh Festival Chorus
    James Grossmith Chorus Director

    Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha Soprano
    Jennifer Johnston Mezzo soprano
    René Barbera Tenor
    Tareq Nazmi Bass

    Verdi Requiem