John King Tells You Why You'll Love Mozart's Requiem

John T. King, the Minister of Music at Hitchcock Church and the Artistic Director and Conductor of the New Choral Society is well known in Scarsdale for his wonderful concerts. He leads a chorus of 48 talented vocalists from Westchester and offers four choral concert programs each season, two accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists.

This Sunday, March 13, the New Choral Society will present Mozart’s Requiem at 3 pm at Hitchcock Church. Soloists include soprano Arinna Zukerman, mezzo soprano Laura Vlasak-Nolen and bass-baritone Christopher Temporelli who will perform with the chorus.

King spared a few minutes in his busy schedule this week to answer our questions:

Where did you grow up and when did you first become aware of your musical talents?

I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and started piano lessons very late in the game--ninth grade, to be exact, and organ lessons even later--between tenth and eleventh grade.

As a child did you play an instrument or sing?

I always sang in children's choirs at church but didn't start formal instrumental lessons until high school.

What is your formal music training?

I have a Bachelor of Music from the University of Louisville School of Music; a Masters of Music from Yale University and a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the Manhattan School of Music.

What was your first musical job after you completed your education?

I have been working "in the field" since I was in high school...my first job was very part time as a church organist when I was a high school senior and I have been playing the organ and conducting ever since. My first job out of post-graduate school was at Hitchcock Church, where I started twenty one years ago.

How did you find Scarsdale ... or how did Scarsdale find you?

Hitchcock Church found me when I graduated with my Doctorate of Musical Arts from Manhattan School of Music in May 1989 . Hitchcock was starting a search a former professor of mine gave them my name. The head of the search committee contacted me, and after some time, I threw my hat in the ring. The rest is history!

What are you responsibilities at the Church?

I am the full-time Minister of Music where I work with all of the choirs, including the adult and four children's choirs. I play the organ at all of the services as well.

What can you tell musical novices about Mozart’s Requiem? And why did you select it for the concert on Sunday?

The Requiem is probably the most familiar piece of classical choral music ever written. Even if you have not ever listened to classical choral music,you will recognize some of the movements from movies and commercials. The music from the Requiem runs throughout the movie “Amadeus.” It is so popular because it is a work of true genius. It is sublime, transcendent and absolute beauty.

What are the specific challenges to performing this work?

The work requires excellent choral singers and just the right mix of soloists to really make the music come to life, for it runs the gamut of blood-curdling to tender and peaceful.

What do you most enjoy as the Director of the New Choral Society?

I LOVE bringing great music to this audiences and to know that people have been transported is very rewarding.

What advice would you give aspiring musicians and conductors today?

Find the passion.

Last: Can you tell those who may not be classical music aficionados why they would enjoy the concert this Sunday?

It’s all there … the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. If you liked Amadeus or old Volvo commercials or Black Swan, you will walk away with a new appreciation for classical music and Mozart.

Background on Mozart's Requiem:

Mozart’s “Requiem”, is often thought to have been finished after his death by one or more composers who were close to him, is a must hear for any classical music lover. Shrouded in mystery regarding the actual parts of the work that were composed by Mozart, or by rivals, the legend that is probably closest to the truth is that the work was commissioned by Count Walsegg, who came to Mozart in disguise. Count Walsegg was known to have commissioned works from well known composers and then copy them into his own hand and take credit for the composition. It is speculated that Mozart was in such poor health when approached by a mysterious stranger (Walsegg) that he believed that the man in the dark cloak was a messenger of Death. The work remained unfinished and eventually his widow saw to it that Mozart’s students, most notably Franz Süssmayr, finished the piece.

If you would like to see the performance on Sunday March 13 at 3 pm, there are still a few tickets left!  To reserve yours now, click here: