Hungry and tired, the 60 Jewish prisoners nevertheless sang — without scores or orchestral accompaniment — one of the most demanding choral works ever written: Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem Mass.

Louise Toppin, professor and chair of the music department, has received the 2015 Legacy Award from the National Opera Association.

A $5 million gift from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust will launch an extensive renovation of the music department’s Hill Hall.