Gianandrea Noseda has gathered together an outstanding cast of Italian opera stars for his Verdi Requiem performances in London and New York, launching the LSO’s 2016/17 season in dramatic style.

Best-known as an opera composer, the Requiem shows Verdi’s mastery of choral writing at his most concentrated. Particularly impressive is the subtle word painting. The 'Dies irae’ is a wild storm bursting forth after the tranquil ending of the Kyrie. In 'Mors stupebit’ the bass soloist seems to be staring into a bottomless abyss.  After the first performance Brahms said: 'Only a genius could write something like this.’

Watch on YouTube
The concert was streamed live on YouTube on Sunday 18 September. This YouTube playlist will play all seven movements in order automatically. At the start you will find a 10 minute look behind the scenes backstage with presenter Rachel Leach.