Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will close its 2007-2008 season with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's "Requiem" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

The choral masterwork will feature SFA faculty and guest soloists, 140 vocal students and approximately 70 orchestral musicians, all under the direction of Tim King, SFA director of choral activities.

Regarded as one of the great icons of western music, the "Requiem" was written in memory of Alessandro Manzoni, an Italian poet and novelist whose death deeply affected Verdi, explained King.

"A written description cannot do justice to the work's expressiveness, eloquent melodies and musical power," King continued. "Because of its theatrical elements it is often called 'the greatest sacred opera.'"

SFA faculty members Debbie Berry, Bruce Fowler and Scott LaGraff will sing the soprano, tenor and bass solos respectively, and SFA alumna Erin Roth will sing the mezzo-soprano solos.

"We are excited about presenting this great choral masterpiece to East Texas," King said. "Our patrons will definitely want to take advantage of this opportunity."

The performance is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. W.M. Turner Auditorium is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Dr.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.sfasu.edu/finearts or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.