Brahms Requiem at Opernhaus Zürich

This spatially experimental performance in an empty hall marks Gianandrea Noseda's premiere as music director of the Opernhaus Zürich.

With his "German Requiem" Johannes Brahms became one of the most famous composers of his time. Later in life, he himself said of his masterpiece: "I have now found comfort." This precise motif of solace and comfort is at the center of the text of the work which Brahms assembled from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Perhaps that is why, especially in times of the ongoing pandemic with all its restrictions for culture and the arts, it is also a work of great symbolic character.

The Philharmonia Zürich and the choir of the Opernhaus Zürich will perform this exceptional work in the empty opera house - the orchestra on the stage, the choir on the opposite side in the stalls and ranks of the auditorium. The musical direction falls in the hands of Gianandrea Noseda who with this unusual performance introduces himself as the new general music director of the Opernhaus Zürich. The music is performed at a distance, but the musicians are united in solace. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Johannes Brahms
Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45

Philharmonia Zürich
Chor & Zusatzchor der Oper Zürich
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor
Rachel Harnisch, soprano
Konstantin Shushakov, bariton

20 February 2021, 19:00
Opernhaus Zürich

Production Company Accentus Music GmbH
Composer Johannes Brahms
Original title of music work Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45
Orchestra / Band Philharmonia Zürich
Choir Chor & Zusatzchor der Oper Zürich
Conductor Gianandrea Noseda
Soloist Rachel Harnisch
Soloist Konstantin Shushakov