For its annual Musica da Coro concert on Saturday, March 24, the 117-voice Sno-King Community Chorale, under the direction of Frank DeMiero, has selected Johannes Brahms’ beautiful masterwork, A German Requiem. Its seven movements, written for soloists, chorus and orchestra, will feature the Sno-King Chorale Orchestra and guest artists soprano Melanie Hingson, and baritone Tom Hingson.

It has often been pointed out that Brahms’ Requiem has only the name in common with the Catholic requiem form, with its Latin text and vocal quartet pleading for intercession on behalf of the dead in Purgatory. Brahms deliberately did not choose Biblical texts naming Christ in the original German. All this suggests that his work is not Christian in any orthodox sense. It is more concerned with the living than with the salvation of the dead.  The piece will be performed in English.

“This has been a demanding work for our chorale to perform,” DeMiero said, “and I am especially honored that we have the largest enrollment ever for our non-audition chorale. Audiences will be able to enjoy a rarely performed work as well as hear two outstanding members of Seattle Opera.”

Additional selections by the Chorale will include A Dedication, a specially commissioned work by renowned composer John Rutter, dedicated to the memory of longtime music educator and performer Ed Aliverti. Performances on Saturday, March 24, will be at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 – 196th St. S.W., Lynnwood.

Ticket order forms are available on the chorale website: sno-kingchorale.org, or call 425-673-1242. Adults $20, students/seniors $15; children under 12 $10, plus a $2 service charge per order. Groups of 10 or more, students or seniors, are $10 each.

For more information, call 206-473-9416.