The choir and orchestra performed excellently; from the quietest moments to the most raucous sections of the "Dies Irae," they made Verdi's difficult music sound easy.
The soloists were nearly as high a level as the chorus. Soprano Cynthia Lawrence, who now has an international career in opera, brought both beautiful vocalism and drama into her part, particularly the "Libera me," which ends the piece. Mezzo-soprano Tonya Currier performed equally well, even if she lacked the dark color in her voice necessary for the part.
Clayne Robison, bass, did a remarkable job, combining both tenderness (in the "Lux aeterna") and menace ("Tubu mirum"). Tenor Mark Calkins was the only question-mark of the evening. His voice is beautiful and agile, but rather small. His singing in the "Kyrie eleison" seemed forced. Later in the evening, however, he produced a beautiful and moving "Hostias." Perhaps his voice is simply not right for Verdi.
In the end, however, it is to Prof. Kesling's credit that the Requiem was produced here so creditably. Although the choir, orchestra and soloists performed very well, Prof. Kesling was clearly the center of the evening.