For Immediate Release

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra to Perform A German Requiem
Brahms’ masterpiece to feature nationally recognized vocalists and two area chorales

NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 1, 2008)--It took Johannes Brahms three years, from 1865 to 1868, to complete this amazing and soaring work, selecting the text himself from the German Lutheran Bible. While the death of Brahms’ mother in 1865 may have been the impetus for the creation of this extraordinary composition, it is clear Brahms intended it more as a consolation for the living than the historically traditional mass for the dead.

“A German Requiem is one of the essential pieces in the history of art,” LPO Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto says. “It is the middle pillar in this season’s musical theme of creation, requiem and resurrection, which we will complete with Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony in May.”

Joining the LPO in two performances of this rarely-heard work in New Orleans will be soprano Jonita Lattimore and bass-baritone Michael Dean. Ms. Lattimore is well known for her work with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Houston Grand Opera. Mr. Dean has performed with both the New York City Opera and the New York Philharmonic. The Loyola University Chorale and the New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale, both under the direction of Dr. Meg Frazier, will appear in both performances scheduled to take place at Loyola’s Roussell Hall on Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 5 at 8 p.m.

Opening each concert will be the New Orleans premiere of Mexican composer Alexis Aranda’s Da Vinci Concerto. Commissioned by Maestro Prieto, it is, explains Prieto, “more like a concerto for orchestra based on brief musical themes actually composed by Leonardo da Vinci, and further inspired by four significant areas of Leonardo’s interest: sculpture, painting, inventions and military engineering.”

Alexis Aranda will be in New Orleans for the performances of his work. “The orchestra is delighted he will be here,” says Prieto. “He is a very talented composer who has done excellent work.”

Ticket prices begin at $25 with student tickets also available. For information call 504.523.6530 or visit lpomusic.com

The LPO thanks American Airlines for its generous support of this concert.

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The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra appreciates the use of Carlos Miguel Prieto’s full name in all coverage.