The iconic Hollywood Bowl will resonate with the profound depths of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem on September 4, 2025, in a highly anticipated performance led by acclaimed conductor James Gaffigan. This evening of masterful composition will also feature contemporary works, presenting a rich and diverse musical experience for Los Angeles audiences.
A Celestial Program: Mozart’s Requiem Takes Center Stage
Mozart’s Requiem, his unfinished final masterpiece, is renowned for its emotional power and spiritual gravitas. The work, shrouded in mystery surrounding its completion and famously featured in the film “Amadeus,” continues to captivate listeners with its exploration of humanity, mortality, and faith. James Gaffigan, known for his “uncommon drama” in interpreting the Requiem, will guide the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and a quartet of distinguished soloists through this powerful mass. The New York Times has lauded Gaffigan’s approach to the work, promising an interpretation that is both dramatic and deeply moving.
A Stellar Lineup of Artists
The performance boasts an impressive roster of talent. Soprano Elena Villalón, a rising star recognized for her “considerable warmth and mellifluous legato tone,” brings her acclaimed artistry to the stage. She is joined by mezzo-soprano Isabel Signoret, a Puerto Rican artist praised for her “velvety voice.” Tenor Joshua Blue, a British-American singer noted for his strong performances in major opera houses, and bass-baritone Christian Van Horn, whose voice has been described as capable of “shak[ing] the heavens,” complete the quartet of soloists. Van Horn is a frequent performer with prestigious companies, including the Metropolitan Opera and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The renowned Los Angeles Master Chorale, a Grammy-winning ensemble celebrated for its “powerful performances, technical precision, and artistic daring,” will provide the majestic choral force for the Requiem. Under the artistic direction of Grant Gershon, the Chorale consistently elevates choral music, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ cultural activities.
Opening the Evening: Contemporary Voices
The concert begins with Ellen Reid’s “Body Cosmic,” a piece commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Reid, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, describes “Body Cosmic” as a “meditation on the human body” and the profound transformations of creating life. The work, composed in two movements, explores themes of awe, growth, and the introspection that accompanies pregnancy. Following Reid’s contemporary reflection, the program shifts to Johannes Brahms’ “Schicksalslied” (Song of Destiny). This masterful choral and symphonic work, based on a poem by Friedrich Hölderlin, contrasts the serene existence of the gods with the restless fate of humanity, offering a poignant prelude to Mozart’s Requiem.
The Hollywood Bowl: An Iconic Los Angeles Venue
The September 4th performance is part of a vibrant season of events at the Hollywood Bowl, a world-renowned amphitheater that offers a unique open-air concert experience. This venue has long been a central hub for Los Angeles’ cultural calendar, hosting a wide array of musical performances, festivals, and community gatherings. The combination of exceptional artistry and the magical setting under the stars promises an unforgettable evening, highlighting the rich tapestry of musical activities available in the Los Angeles area.
This presentation of Mozart’s Requiem, alongside works by Ellen Reid and Johannes Brahms, curated and conducted by James Gaffigan with the exceptional talents of the Los Angeles Master Chorale and soloists, represents a significant cultural event for Los Angeles, celebrating both timeless masterpieces and contemporary artistic vision.
