The Denver School of the Arts (DSA) Orchestra and Vocal Music Department will perform Mozart's haunting "Requiem Mass in D Minor" at 7 p.m. January 16 -17 in the sanctuary of St. Elizabeth's Church on the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver.

"Requiem" tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 303-722-4669.

About 150 orchestra and vocal music majors will perform the ambitious work, which was left unfinished by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart upon his death on December 5, 1791. The work was completed by Mozart family friend and student Franz Süssmayr, who had helped Mozart on several operas.

"This will be an extremely moving concert, especially when you consider the irony that the "Requiem Mass" includes the last notes that Mozart ever composed," said DSA Orchestra Director Frank Fyock. "The students have worked hard to convey the passion and intensity of this musically challenging piece."

Vocal solos will be performed by DSA Vocal Music Department alumni. The concerts also will feature the works of Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, and Pablo Casals.

The award-winning DSA Orchestra and Vocal Music Department is composed of sixth- through twelfth-grade students who auditioned for admission to the school. The Orchestra and Vocal Music Department have released compact discs, which will be available for $15 each at the concerts. Ticket sale proceeds will go toward the purchase of a new harpsichord for DSA and the Orchestra and Vocal Music Department travel funds.

The Denver School of the Arts, located at 150 South Pearl Street, is a Denver Public Schools magnet school founded in 1991.

The Denver School of the Arts Orchestra and Vocal Music Department were created to provide talented young instrumental musicians and vocalists from throughout Metro Denver with the opportunity for artistic growth in a challenging performing arts environment.