The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents their 49th season finale Fauré’s Requiem on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg, beginning at 7:30 p.m. [tickets]
The symphony will be joined on stage by WSO Chamber Singers, a 60-member choir made up of talented local vocalists, directed by Marc Tourre.
In addition to the local vocalists, Daniel Meyer, Artistic Director selected professional soloists including Benjamin Taylor, baritone and Ashley Fabian, soprano, both first-year resident artists with the Pittsburgh Opera. Lauded by Opera Today for her “sweet” and “natural” sounds, soprano Ashley Fabian is quickly garnering recognition for her artistry. Benjamin Taylor was just named the winner of the 47th annual George London Foundation Awards Competition.
We recently caught up with the guest soloists:
Ashley Fabian, Soprano
WSO: Where are you from and how long have you been in Pittsburgh?
Ashley: I am originally from Charleston, South Carolina. I moved to Pittsburgh last summer to join the Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists.
WSO: When did you begin to sing and when did you realize you wanted this as a career?
Ashley: I don’t remember a time when I didn’t sing. My family is made up of singers, so I never really thought there was another career option for me. I performed in schools and churches as a child and started studying voice at the age of 14
WSO: Have you sung the Fauré prior to this concert and do you enjoy guest performing with a symphony?
Ashley: I have never sung this requiem, although I’ve heard it several times. It’s one of my favorites! I absolutely love guest performing with a symphony. It is such an exciting experience.
Learn more about Ashley Fabian
Benjamin Taylor, Baritone
WSO: Where are you from and how long have you been in Pittsburgh?
Ben: I have been in Pittsburgh since September, and I’m from Waldorf, Maryland.
WSO: When did you begin to sing and when did you realize you wanted this as a career?
Ben: I started singing in the third grade, but I’ve been singing opera since I was 18. After I saw Rigoletto, it completely changed my life!
WSO: Have you sung the Fauré prior to this concert and do you enjoy guest performing with a symphony?
Ben: This will be my fourth time singing Fauré Requiem, and my third time as the soloist. It is by far my favorite Requiem—the first movement brings me to the brink of tears every time!
