BSO — 2025/03/29

 This evening we hear two pieces, first a 20th Century orchestral composition and then the Mozart Requiem. Here's WCRB's synopsis:

Saturday, March 29, 2025
8:00 PM

The BSO and guest conductor Dima Slobodeniouk explore the intersection of quiet contemplation and fervent prayers, beginning with Arvo Pärt's Tabula Rasa— an introspective piece exploring silence, space, and spirituality that quietly changed the shape of 20th century music. The concert concludes with Mozart’s Requiem, an era-defining orchestral and choral work.

Dima Slobodeniouk, conductor 
Alexander Velinzon and Lucia Lin, violins (Pärt) 
Erin Morley, soprano
Avery Amereau, mezzo-soprano
Jack Swanson, tenor
Morris Robinson, bass
Tanglewood Festival Chorus,
 James Burton, conductor

Arvo PÄRT Tabula Rasa
W.A. MOZART Requiem

In a preview of this concert, conductor Dima Slobdeniouk describes the deeply emotional power of Pärt's Tabula Rasa, as well as its way of magnifying the impact of Mozart's Requiem. To listen, use the player above, and read the transcript below.

TRANSCRIPT:

Brian McCreath I'm Brian McCreath at Symphony Hall with Dima Slobodeniouk, who is back with the Boston Symphony for two weeks of concerts, which is just fantastic. Dima, I'm glad you're here, and thanks for a little of your time today. I appreciate it.

Dima Slobodeniouk Hi, Brian. Great to be back.

Brian McCreath The first week of your time here is devoted to two pieces and what powerful pieces they are, Arvo Pärt's "Tabula Rasa" and Mozart's Requiem. So let's talk about this Arvo Pärt piece first. It's a powerful piece made of simplicity.

The BSO's performance detail page doesn't say anything specific about the Mozart, but makes up for it with links to the program notes on both pieces, which should make for informative reading. There are also links to performer bios. 

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Symphony Hall, Boston, MA 

Dima Slobodeniouk, conductor
Alexander Velinzon and Lucia Lin, violins (Pärt) 
Erin Morley, soprano
Avery Amereau, mezzo-soprano
Jack Swanson, tenor
Morris Robinson, bass
Tanglewood Festival Chorus,
 James Burton, conductor

Arvo PÄRT Tabula rasa
-Intermission-
MOZART Requiem

This concert probes the intersection of quiet contemplation and fervent prayers, beginning with Arvo Pärt's Tabula Rasa — an introspective piece exploring silence, space, and spirituality that quietly changed the shape of 20th century music. 

The Globe review is very favorable. So far, nothing has appeared in the Intelligencer.

Sometimes unfamiliar 20th Century music can be a bit scary, since there is so much cacophony from that era, but the interview and program note remove the worry. It should be easy enough to listen to. And the Mozart Requiem is less bombastic than some 19th Century settings. So this should be a good evening of music. I'm looking forward to it.