The Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire has played host to the concert dedicated to Russian famous late pianist Svyatoslav Richter. The ensemble was led by the well-known conductor Teodor Kurentzis.

The rumours, that Teodor Kurentzis has been preparing a new version of Verdi's Requiem, have been spreading for a long time. Mr Kurentzis and his orchestra called “Musica Eterna” have decided to perform Requiem as it was initially contemplated by the composer.

German soprano Birgit Remmert and tenor Roberto Sakka also took part in the concert.

“It is the first time I have visited Russia but I have always been fascinated by your music traditions,” said Roberto Sakka.

Teodor Kurentzis aspired to repeat the initial sound of the Requiem's premiere which took place in 1875 in London as much as possible. He based his interpretation on Verdi's letters where he mentioned what premiere he preferred most of all and why.