Opera Unleashed: The Austin Opera Debuts Verdi’s Requiem
January 15, 2026
By
Matt Ferner
Structured to evoke a Roman Catholic funeral mass, Requiem begins with a quiet, reflective prayer for peace, then builds into thunderous moments that vividly depict the chaos of Judgment Day.
About Verdi’s Requiem. Structured to evoke a Roman Catholic funeral mass, Requiem begins with a quiet, reflective prayer for peace, then builds into thunderous moments that vividly depict the chaos of Judgment Day. Verdi balances these intense sections with softer, more personal moments, which feel like intimate conversations about loss and hope. In Verdi's hands, the traditional religious text becomes a profound meditation on mercy, forgiveness, and meaning.
Meet Leah Crocetto, the internationally renowned artist performing the Soprano soloist role (who recently moved to Austin!).
Leah relocated to Austin to join the faculty at the UT Butler School of Music. This will be her debut performance at the Austin Opera.
And All That Jazz. Early in her music career, Leah sang in jazz clubs throughout New York City. Recently, her jazz-infused band, Momenti, released a song that’s getting us excited for Valentine’s Day!