Hi Folks, I just came home from attending the National Symphony Orchestra performance of the Britten War Requiem. I totally agree with all the rave reviews it recieved. It was just beautiful and moving. I especially enjoyed the choral singing. The Washington Chorus (under the direction of Robert Shafer) filled most of the stage behind the orchestra and sang in complete unison and harmony. Their voices blended well with the instrumentalists so that neither the chorus nor the orchestra was overpowering the other. The Childrens Chorus of Washington (under the direction of Joan Gregoryk) also sang. The Children's Chorus was placed in the uppermost tier in the rear of the Concert Hall. I thought this provided an interesting effect, the children's voices lilting over the listeners heads like those of angels. A special congratulations to both the Washington Chorus and the Childrens Chorus for that magnificent job tonight. Even more kudos go to the 3 soloists... Christine Goerke, Soprano Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Tenor Alan Opie, Baritone Their singing was perfect, so breathtakingly beautiful, they were greeted with an enthusiastic standing ovation at the end of the concert. Janice Rosen [log in to unmask]