San Francisco Symphony Presents Augmented Mozart Requiem

Conductor Manfred Honeck leads performance with additional Mozart works and liturgical elements.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Last night at Davies Symphony Hall, conductor Manfred Honeck led the San Francisco Symphony in a performance of Mozart's Requiem K. 626 that was presented in the context of a funeral liturgy. The performance featured additional Mozart compositions, Gregorian chant, and readings, along with the full force of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and four vocal soloists.

Why it matters

Honeck's approach to the Requiem, incorporating liturgical elements and other Mozart works, provided a unique and immersive experience for the audience. The performance highlighted the versatility of the San Francisco Symphony and its ability to present classical masterworks in innovative ways.

The details

The 'augmentation' of the Requiem included the K. 618 motet 'Ave verum corpus' performed a cappella by the chorus, as well as Gregorian chant sung off-stage by the St. Dominic's Schola Cantorum. The vocal soloists were Ying Fang (soprano), Sasha Cooke (mezzo), David Portillo (tenor), and Stephano Park (bass), but it was the choral work that stood out as the highlight of the evening.

  • The performance took place last night, February 27, 2026, in Davies Symphony Hall.
  • Manfred Honeck made his debut with the San Francisco Symphony in May 2017.

The players

Manfred Honeck

The conductor who led the San Francisco Symphony in this performance of Mozart's Requiem.

San Francisco Symphony

The orchestra that performed the augmented version of Mozart's Requiem under Honeck's direction.

San Francisco Symphony Chorus

The full chorus that played a central role in the performance, including their a cappella rendition of the 'Ave verum corpus' motet.

St. Dominic's Schola Cantorum

The off-stage choir that performed Gregorian chant as part of the liturgical context of the Requiem performance.

Jenny Wong

The director of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus.

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What they’re saying

“I suspect that I was not the only one to come away with the feeling that this performances as 'all over the map.' Nevertheless, I was impressed by Honeck's strong command of a wide dynamic range.”

— Stephen Smoliar, Reviewer (blogspot.com)

The takeaway

Honeck's innovative approach to the Mozart Requiem, incorporating liturgical elements and other works by the composer, provided a unique and immersive experience for the audience. The performance showcased the versatility of the San Francisco Symphony and its ability to present classical masterworks in new and engaging ways.