Opera Orlando is proud to present the Orlando premiere of Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín, a concert-drama that combines the magnificent music of Verdi’s Requiem with video testimony from survivors of the original Terezín chorus and footage from the 1944 Nazi propaganda film about Theresienstadt. The work tells the story of the courageous Jewish prisoners in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp (Terezín) during World War II who performed Verdi’s Requiem while experiencing the horrors of the concentration camps. With only a single score, they performed the celebrated oratorio sixteen times amidst the most horrendous of conditions.

In addition to a full orchestra, and 120 member chorus, the work also weaves in actors who speak the words of imprisoned conductor Rafael Schächter who organized the performances in the camp and others. The piece was conceived and created by The Defiant Requiem Foundation president Murry Sidlin, who will be on stage conducting the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Opera Orlando Chorus, and members of Orlando Sings.

This work is presented in partnership and with permission from The Defiant Requiem Foundation and serves as a benefit concert for the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida.  

The run time for the concert is 2 hours with no intermission.

This concert is generously supported by the Ginsburg Family Foundation, Mary & Frank Doherty and Carla D'Andre & David Treitel. Sponsorship packages which include tickets to the event are available for private donors, corporations, and foundations and can be purchased by contacting Opera Orlando at (407) 512-1900 or by emailing info@operaorlando.org.

Prices, shows, artists, dates and times are subject to change at any time without notice. By purchasing a ticket you are authorizing the Dr. Phillips Center to share your information with the producer. The views and opinions expressed within this show are those of the artist(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Dr. Phillips Center.