Mozart’s Requiem is coming to Benicia. This is a rare chance to see a full orchestra and chorus performing great music right here in town. The concert, also including Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony, is a benefit for Arts Benicia—a gift from the San Francisco Sinfonietta on the occasion of Arts Benicia's 25th Anniversary. Arts Benicia will use the opportunity to take time to remember friends and family who are no longer with us. The Requiem will be performed in Benicia’s historic Clock Tower.

The community can remember lost loved ones and friends by having their names included in the program. If you would like to honor someone in this way, you can contact Arts Benicia.

Mozart's Requiem is arguably one of the most stirring pieces of music ever written. It was the last piece of music Mozart ever composed, and its history is shrouded in mystery and conjecture. Mozart was apparently aware that this would be his last work, and asked that it be performed at his funeral. Many of you will be familiar with it as the powerful music from the end of the film Amadeus.

The San Francisco Sinfonietta is directed by its charismatic conductor, Maestro Urs Steiner. Urs is internationally renowned as a conductor, guitarist, educator and composer. He is revered in San Francisco for his annual New Year’s Eve performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the “Ode to Joy,” and his annual sing-along version of Handel’s Messiah. He and his wife are also members of Arts Benicia and support its mission to “stimulate, educate and nurture cultural life in Benicia.”

Though this is a benefit concert for Arts Benicia, the Sinfonietta still has to cover its costs and the overhead is high. Arts Benicia is seeking significant sponsorship to make this a financial success. Private donors, Benicia Magazine and Vino Paladini have already stepped forward. Benicia Magazine will advertise the event, and Vino Paladini will serve its favorite gourmet hors d'oeuvres at the reception following the event, included in the ticket price.

Please contact Arts Benicia to purchase tickets, for more information about the concert and sponsorship opportunities, or to remember a loved one in the program.

What: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem Mass in D Minor and Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, performed by the San Francisco Sinfonietta, with a cash bar wine reception following to benefit Arts Benicia.

The event will be held at the Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia, on Sunday, June 3 at 4:00 pm.

Tickets and information: www.artsbenicia.org or 707.747.0131. See also www.sfsinfonietta.org.