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Dacorum Syphony Orchestra
A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity
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From October 21st to 24th 2005 the Dacorum Symphony Orchestra visited Italy to take part in a performance
of Verdi's 'Requiem' in Florence. 35 members of the DSO made the trip at the invitation of the Chorus
and Orchestra Desiderio di Settignano. Also taking part was the Bachchoir from Coburg in Germany. The
performance was directed by the conductor of the Italian choir and orchestra Johanna Knauf, who hails
from Coburg but now lives in Italy.
The DSO's connection with this Italian group is Catherine
Glasser, who now lives in Italy and is a cellist in the orchestra, and whose mother Erica has been a
member of the DSO for many years. Thomas Loten, the DSO's Music Director, prepared the English players
for this performance and Johanna Knauf came to England to direct two rehearsals on Saturday October 8th
2005.
Both Choirs and both Orchestras met up on Saturday 22nd for the final rehearsals and the
performance took place on Sunday October 23rd at 9 pm in the church of Santa Croce in Florence.
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A few photos from our trip
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"a highlight of my music life"
"a musical treat"
"the experience of a lifetime"
Some of the comments by DSO members following the performance of the Verdi Requiem in Santa Croce, one
of Florence's finest churches. It was a truly memorable occasion and a wonderful example of international
musical collaboration and co-operation. The joint orchestras and choirs performed to a capacity audience
of 1700 people. 500 more people listened to the performance from the steps outside the church!
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