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Verdi's Requiem at the Church of Saint-Sulpice<p> Verdi's Requiem, an "opera of death"?<br><br> On May 22, 1873, the poet Alessandro Manzoni died. Verdi was devastated by the poet's passing, to whom he had dedicated a poem in 1867: "I esteem and venerate you as much as one can esteem and venerate on this earth, both as a man and as embodying the true honor of our troubled homeland."<br> Thus, the republican composer wrote to his publisher the very next day, "I am deeply saddened by the death of this Great Man. Perhaps, after weighing and reflecting on my strength, I will propose something to you to honor his memory."<br><br> On May 22, 1874, the Messa da Requiem was premiered at the San Marco church in Milan, a performance requiring no fewer than 120 choristers, 100 instrumentalists, and a vocal quartet, all under Verdi's demanding baton. While the majority of critics and the public as a whole seemed to appreciate Verdi's work, some criticized him for using operatic musical language for a religious work, likening his Requiem to an "opera of death."<br><br> However, this theatricality delighted some, like Bizet: "when a passionate, violent, even brutal temperament, when a Verdi endows art with a living and strong work, made of gold and mud, of gall and blood, let us not coldly tell him: 'But, dear Sir, this lacks taste, this is not distinguished!' Are Michelangelo, Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, Beethoven, Cervantes and Rabelais distinguished?"<br><br> The Helios Orchestra: Dynamic and eclectic, the Helios Orchestra has made its mark since its creation in 2014.<br><br> Its artistic director, Paul Savalle, promotes the professional integration of young musicians through orchestral practice. Thus, recent graduates mingle with experienced orchestral musicians, conductors, and soloists in optimal working conditions.<br><br> From Baroque to contemporary music, the programs are varied. As for the repertoire, it is both symphonic and choral, with the orchestra joining forces with departmental and regional choirs.<br><br> Thanks to the collaboration of various conductors, the musicians tackle a very rich repertoire, broadening their interpretive range. They all come from major French conservatories, some belonging to a national orchestra.<br><br> From string quartets to symphony orchestras, including brass ensembles, the orchestra continually expands its audience by adapting its composition. String ensembles perform in picturesque locations unsuitable for a full symphony orchestra, allowing audiences to discover a rich architectural heritage.<br><br> Orchestra: Helios Orchestra Conductor: Yann Molénat/Ephemeral Choir Choir: Helios Ephemeral</p>