Over two centuries after Mozart began composing his Requiem in D minor, K 626 in 1791, it remains one of the most profoundly moving and brilliant pieces in the repertoire, a testament to his creative genius and the poignancy of his all too brief life.

This is a Requiem for eternity, created as its creator breathed his last.

Under illustrious Guest Conductor Stephen Layton, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra – led by Andrew Haveron with soprano Samantha Clarke, mezzo-soprano Ashlyn Tymms, tenor Andrew Goodwin and bass Simon Meadows, and featuring the 140 voices of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ young adult choir Vox and its Chamber Singers – present Mozart’s Requiem paired with a trio of English classics.

The English connection to Mozart’s Requiem lies with Benjamin Britten and his additions to Mozart’s unfinished manuscript. Based on this, Layton has created his own performing edition, adding his own touches to Mozart’s score.

Though commemorating death, Layton and his team celebrate life itself, in this performance brimming with vitality and musical mastery, illustrating Mozart’s exemplary structure, dramatic power and vivid word painting.