MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at (847) 491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

March 23, 2004

Brahms’ Masterpieces to Be Performed

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Legendary romantic composer Johannes Brahms was known mainly as director of an a cappella ensemble before premiering his monumental work “Ein Deutsches Requiem” (“A German Requiem”) in 1867.

The Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Choir and soloists will perform this piece and Brahms’ Rhapsody for Alto and Male Chorus, Op. 53, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17.

This concert will be held at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, on Northwestern’s Evanston campus. Northwestern School of Music faculty member Robert A. Harris, director of choral organizations, will conduct both works.

Many consider Brahms’ “Ein Deutsches Requiem,” which shifts between movements of grief and hope while freely interpreting various styles, to be a staple of 19th century choral and orchestral repertoire.

The piece will feature School of Music alumni soprano Cynthia Haymon and baritone Daniel Washington, as the guest soloists. Both Haymon, a member of the voice faculty at the University of Illinois, and Washington, who teaches at the University of Michigan, perform in the United States and abroad in operatic and oratorio settings.

The Rhapsody for Alto and Male Chorus will feature mezzo soprano soloist Karen Brunssen. Brunssen, coordinator of the School of Music’s voice program, who has appeared in numerous solo performances in the United States and Europe.

Single tickets for this event are $12 for the general public, $8.50 for senior citizens and $5.50 for full-time students. To order tickets, call the Pick-Staiger ticket office at (847) 467-4000.