Mozart was anxious to please the Parisians with this specially composed symphony. Although rehearsals went badly, after the performance, Mozart commented: “I was so happy that as soon as the symphony was over, I went off to the Palais Royal, where I had a large ice, said the Rosary as I had vowed to do.”

In 1791, soon after Mozart starting to compose the Requiem, he began to experience ‘strange thoughts’, and began to fear he was writing a requiem for his own death. The result is a moving piece, with passages of fearful angst and resolute acceptance.

Umberto Clerici, Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Conductor, has a flourishing career in Australia and NZ. Of his DSO 2023 concert, The Star commented: “Under the inspiring, joyful baton of Australia-based guest conductor Umberto Clerici, the DSO players gave an energetic and committed performance.” Joining Maestro Clerici on stage will be four leading NZ vocal soloists, and City Choir Dunedin.