Queensland Ballet (QB) had the stately privilege of selecting and presenting the inaugural production at the new Glasshouse Theatre at Queensland Performing Arts Centre on Friday 27 March 2026.
Artistic Director of QB, Ivan Gil-Ortega, in his first year of curating for the company, selected for the occasion, Verdi’s iconic, complexity-laden oratorio, Messa da Requiem. Composed for orchestra and voice, balletic movement is a visually rich and mesmerising addition.
Messa da Requiem translates as Funeral Mass. Although he endured personal losses, Giuseppe Verdi wrote the work to commemorate the passing of compatriot writer, Alessandro Manzoni. Commenced in 1873, it premiered in May 1874 in an Italian church in Milan. The premiere coincided with the first anniversary of Manzoni’s death. Verdi himself conducted the performance.
Composed in his sixth decade, the work is subsequent to the trio of operas for which Verdi is famed – La Traviata, Rigoletto and Aida.
Messa da Requiem is a sombre but striking work. From the solemn start to its dramatic conclusion, structurally and historically, it adheres to the sacred components of a Catholic funeral mass.
What sets this work apart from other Italian operas is that it’s written and performed in Latin. The sacred, academic language follows the prescribed liturgical text of the original requiem mass. Verdi’s riveting score has added dizzying spiritual heights to the depths, darkness and despair of bereavement.
Musical excerpts from the performance would be recognised by cinematic audiences. Most famous is the Dies Irae with its blasts of orchestral thunder and outbursts of choral voice.
This expansive production is choreographed by Christian Spuck. His interpretation of Messa da Requiem premiered successfully ten years ago in Zurich. Well known to Gil-Ortega, Spuck is currently Artistic Director of Staatsballett Berlin.
Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Brisbane Chorale and Caticum Chamber Choir performed beneath the baton of conductor, Simon Hewett. The four esteemed, accomplished soloists were Soprano, Naomi Johns, Mezzo-Soprano, Cassandra Seidemann, Tenor, Kyle Stegall and Bass Baritone, Jeremy Kleeman.
Featured dancers from Queensland Ballet included Principal ballerina, Lucy Green, First Company Artists, Joshua Ostermann and Libby-Rose Niederer and Company Artist, Ines Hargreaves
The choreography has both classical and contemporary elements. Fluidly beautiful, it contrasts depictions of contorted agony with the respite of serene stillness. There are moments of frenetic, swift activity. Clearly it is physically demanding to dance, with a lot of lifts, full body stretches as well as complex floor work.
Involving the choir members in staged, sudden movement was an effective idea. It added life and energy to the choral element in the absence of expansive operatic sets and opulent attire.
Messa da Requiem provided a fitting, unforgettable inaugural performance at Brisbane’s newest and most beautiful theatre. Congratulations Queensland!
Overall, the production is a stunning, cohesive fusion of voice, music and movement. A privilege for all involved. A memory to recall with historic and artistic pride. The standing ovation was well deserved. I’d recommend attendance at this visual and auditory spectacle.
Messa da Requiem
Glasshouse Theatre – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performance: Friday 27 March 2026
Season continues to 4 April 2026
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandballet.com.au
Images: Libby-Rose Niederer – photo by David Kelly | Joshua Ostermann – photo by David Kelly | Lucy Green and Vito Bernasconi – photo by David Kelly |
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan