“A work of staggering beauty and enormous drama from start to finish.” – Johannes Brahms

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra (SCSO) with Music Director Donald Kendrick, and a roster of world-class soloists, are proud to present Giuseppe Verdi’s powerful Requiem in concert on March 21, at 8:00 PM in the recently-renovated Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. The performance will serve as a special tribute honoring the late Biba Caggiano. 

Italian American Biba Caggiano, a popular chef, author, and television figure, was the driving passion for the well-known Italian restaurant Biba in Sacramento, established in 1986. The Bologna-born chef graciously contributed to the cuisine life of many known figures, such as former SF mayor Willie Brown, as his personal chef for a time, and Patrick Mulvaney of Sacramento restaurant Mulvaney’s B&L. The Sacramento Bee quoted Mulvaney on Biba’s contribution: “The love that Biba and her crew put into food and hospitality have set a standard to which we should all aspire,” “Her influence on the cooking of Sacramento is deep and wide. Generations of cooks have looked up to her and she will continue to inspire us.”

Giuseppe Verdi, one of the greatest Italian composers of the 19^th Century, was primarily known as a composer of opera.  To commemorate this special tribute to Biba, the City of Sacramento will present a Mayoral Proclamation to her family members at the concert. Following the performance, the SCSO Team will honor Biba’s family member at a reception in Sacramento Memorial Hall. This invigorating performance of the Verdi Requiem will feature a large chorus of 206 singers, along with soloists from the Metropolitan Opera and a robust professional symphony orchestra, all conducted by Donald Kendrick. Featured Soloists include: Othalie Graham (Soprano), Linda Baird (Mezzo Soprano), Robert Breault (Tenor), and Malcom Mackenzie (Dramatic Baritone).

Tickets to this unforgettable performance and tribute are still available online at sacramentochoral.com or at the Memorial Auditorium Box office, call 916-808-5181.