STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Sun Valley Summer Symphony will shake you to your core as it polishes off its 2017 season with Verdi’s “Requiem.”

That, at least, is the gospel according to Symphony Music Director Alasdair Neale.

The symphony will be joined by the 150-member American Festival Chorus and Metropolitan Opera stars Jamie Barton, Angela Meade, Issachah Savage and Alfred Walker as it brings the 80-minute concert to life at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17 (note the earlier time).

“Requiem” is considered by many to be the defining work of Italy’s most celebrated composer.

“Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ is a true masterpiece that will shake you to your core, and you cannot fail to be deeply moved at the end of the journey,” said Neale. “No matter what you believe, you are seeing something extraordinarily powerful and beautiful.”

But, first, the symphony will perform “Czech Mates”—an evening of music by Czech composers tonight, Aug. 13.

It will lead off with Antonin Dvorak’ “Scherzo capriccioso,” which encompasses everything from a brief horn fanfare to a whirling Viennese-like waltz to a sonata. And it will finish the three-piece evening with Leos Janacek’s “Sinfonietta,” a festive piece featuring two dozen brass players.

The Monday, Aug. 14, concert will feature 12 trumpets playing various pieces with the help of percussionists Charles Settle and Alex Orfaly.

All concerts are free and all start at 6:30 p.m. in the Sun Valley Pavilion, with the exception of Thursday's finale. It starts at 6.