Revel In The Mystery And Magnificence: South Florida Symphony Orchestra Premieres Its Production Of Composer’s Final Masterpiece

Led by SFSO’s award-winning Music Director Sebrina María Alfonso and featuring Katherine Henly, soprano; Maggie Reneé, mezzo-soprano; Norman Shankle tenor; Neil Nelson, bass-baritone and the South Florida Symphony Chorus, the concerts will take place on Tuesday, March 11th, at New World Center in Miami Beach and on Wednesday, March 12, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale. Both concerts will start at 7:30 p.m. A pre-concert chat with Dr. Alan Mason will take place 30 minutes before the show at New World Center featuring in-depth conversation and insights about the work and composer.

"Mozart was the original rebel - bold, unapologetic, and well ahead of his time," says Maestra Alfonso. "Conducting his Requiem feels like stepping into the final moments of one of music's greatest icons - his passion, urgency, and soul laid bare for all to hear. Paired with the fire of his renowned Symphony No. 40, this program beautifully demonstrates Mozart's genius at his most human, most profound and most enigmatic. I can't wait to perform it."

Mozart’s Requiem is one of the most iconic classical compositions ever, with the "Lacrimosa" movement standing out as one of classical music's most popular movements. Together, Requiem and "Lacrimosa" have approximately one billion views on YouTube and on Spotify, "Lacrimosa" alone has garnered over 91 million streams. The work’s profound emotional depth has led to its inclusion in various films and adaptations by contemporary artists, including Come and See (1985), The Big Lebowski (1998), Eyes Wide Shut (1999), and Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021).

Enveloped in intrigue, the 1791 piece was left unfinished at Mozart’s untimely death, sparking rumors and legends about its creation and completion. Characterized by its sorrowful yet transcendent melodies, powerful choral passages, and orchestral depth, the haunting beauty and emotional intensity of Mozart’s Requiem Mass, coupled with the enigma of its origins, have captivated listeners for centuries, solidifying its place as a masterwork that transcends time and continues to inspire both reverence and curiosity.

His ever-popular Symphony No. 40 in G minor cements Mozart’s place as one of music’s greatest innovators. Daring, evocative, and dripping with emotion, it beautifully exemplifies his prodigious status.

SFSO will end its powerful 27th season honoring Icons & Rebels with a dazzling finale on April 9 and 10 featuring two celebrated works from Prokofiev and Bruckner.

From sold-out masterworks performances to accompanying today’s musicians such as Natalie Merchant and performing modern musical scores, South Florida’s largest symphonic orchestra is continuing its journey of excellence inspiring audiences of all ages and musical genres. This season’s popular collaborations included performances of ARRIVAL From Sweden: The Music of ABBA and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, featuring the iconic film screened live with audio and musical accompaniment.

Tickets for this Masterworks IV program are on sale now beginning at $25. For the March 11 concert, buy tickets online at: https://southfloridasymphony.org - By phone at: (305) 673-3331. Or in-person at the New World Center Box Office. For the March 12th Concert, buy tickets online at: https://southfloridasymphony.org - By phone at: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at The Parker or at Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. For additional information, visit: https://southfloridasymphony.org - Call: (954) 522-8445. Or email: info@southfloridasymphony.org.

About South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO)

Founded in 1997 in Key West by Music Director Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, the now Fort Lauderdale based South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is celebrating its 27th Season. SFSO is dedicated to providing enriching cultural music experiences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives. A pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities, its Symphony in the Schools program has touched the lives of over 125,000 students since its inception in 1997. SFSO has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a “Major Cultural Institution,” one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. For a performance schedule and season tickets, visit: https://southfloridasymphony.org - Call: (954) 522-8445. Or email: info@southfloridasymphony.org