From its haunting and melancholy opening melody until its powerful conclusion, Mozart’s famous Requiem in D Minor continues to captivate and inspire audiences the world over, as it has for 228 years. This week, two community ensembles will come together to present the work that Mozart was working on – and never finished – when he died at the age of 35 in 1791.
Conductor Jorge Martinez-Rios will conduct the New Horizons Symphony Orchestra and the NMSU Masterworks Chorus in the Requiem, which both ensembles have been preparing since late August. Dr. Randi Bolding rehearsed and prepared the choir for the performances while Martinez worked with the NHSO.
“For me, having two community ensembles collaborating for the first time here in Las Cruces is something really beautiful,” he told Intermezzo host Leora Zeitlin in this interview in the KRWG studios. “It’s just magic for me to be able to lead community people who care for music.” Martinez and Zeitlin, who also plays second violin in the orchestra, discussed the work, how it was completed, and some of what goes into rehearsing such a huge piece of music. Listen below for the full interview. The concerts take place on Thursday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 22, both at 7:30 p.m. at the Atkinson Recital Hall.
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