Mozart Rises From The Grave Like A Phoenix

The modern vernacular is to ‘celebrate a life well-lived’ rather than a life lost. However, the two contrasting perspectives could not have been more starkly illustrated in the opulent staging of Mozart’s Requiem and a special world premier inspired by the African continent.

Requiem and After Tears: After a Requiem, a new commission by South African composer Neo Muyanga, marks Phoenix Dance Theatre and Opera North’s third collaboration together.

And by joining forces with South Africa’s Jazzart Dance Theatre and Cape Town Opera to present a powerful, re-imagining of the Austrian composer’s iconic score, they produced something very special indeed.

The full weight of Opera North’s chorus formed something resembling an arc around an army of amazing dancers from two companies spanning two continents, with award winning principals, Tenor Mongezi Mosoaka, Bass Simon Shibambu – both from Cape Town Opera – and ON’s Ellie Laugharne (Soprano) and Ann Taylor (Alto) anchoring the solos, brilliantly.

For some on stage it was their first time out of Africa and they donated their souls for the evening, working tirelessly to the point that everyone in the stalls was perspiring on their behalf. It was exhausting to watch! But wonderful.

Mozart’s 18th century uncompleted composition – fellow composer Sussmayr had to step in when the great man unexpectedly decided to shed his mortal coil aged just 35 - is heavy, rich, at times almost overbearing, and comes from a period in history when someone’s departure from this world felt like a greater pain for the living than the dearly departed!

And this was reflected, not only in Mozart’s multi-layered score, but in the simple but hugely powerful set and lighting design by Joanna Parker and Peter Mumford, which never lets you forget that here was a man composing under the candlelight of Vienna in 1791.

But, after the interval, it was like an entirely different performance as Neo Muyanga’s music for choir and chamber orchestra – a ‘response’ to Mozart’s original work - were given their first airing.

This invocation of South African rituals of mourning and remembrance – ultimately celebrating the beauty of life – was colourful, joyous, uplifting: food for the soul.

An allegory on how to emerge from mourning someone’s passing. Re-birth of the living, if you like.

And it was musically and visually mesmerising with, occasionally, absolute silence except for the African chanting on stage: you could have heard a pin drop.

Led by the creative team of Phoenix Dance Theatre Guest Choreographer and former Artistic Director Dane Hurst, now Jazzart Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director - Opera North Music Director Garry Walker and the collective artistic team of musicians and performers, this unique creation will be on display until June 4th.

It will challenge you in a positive way and make you realise that even in death there can be things to celebrate. Well worth a look.