WORLDWIDE REQUIEM

Each of the Worldwide Requiem’s seven movements…

“Introit/Kyrie,” “Dies Irae,” “Pie Jesu,” “Sanctus,” “Agnus Dei,” “Libera Me,” and “In Paradisum,” honors a region of the world that has experienced recent tragedy or disaster (Ukraine, Tonga, the Philippines, Palestine, Japan, Maui). My top auditioned choir at BYUH, the Hoʻolōkahi Chamber Choir, will join me in New York City for the performance. Among our 40 singers, 21 native/fluent languages are currently represented, and survivors of four of the six disasters in the Requiem will be present. If you decide to sing with us, you will have the option of joining T/Th virtual rehearsals at 1pm HST (5pm MT; 7pm ET). These rehearsals are not required.

As a Fulbright Scholar and American Councils grantee in Eastern Europe, I have seen choral music operate as a powerful means of unification. Among other research, I have studied the Estonian Singing Revolution and interviewed Ukrainian refugees in Warsaw about their experiences with music in times of war. I have also spent significant time in Ukraine (from 2008 on). As I’ve conducted choirs at the American International School of Utah and BYU-Hawaii with students from Oceania and the Asian Rim, my belief in the unifying power of music has only strengthened. Choral singing expresses solidarity across geographic divides and is a critical means of connecting cultures and healing the wounds of disaster. 

This experience promises far more than a performance at Carnegie Hall…

It also promises the unique opportunity to premiere a unique new work, to interface with singers from around globe, and to educate each other and our audience about recent disasters in diverse world regions.  The premiere itself will embody cross-cultural connection through song in ways that are not just metaphorical but literal and visible. The final movement of the work is dedicated to the fires in Lahaina and the concept of rebirth—beauty from ashes. I am including a very rough demo of excerpts of each movement to give you a sense of the scope of the work. Full piano/vocal scores can be provided upon request (the work is still in the process of being orchestrated). 

We sincerely hope that you will consider joining us. For more details (including the price of the concert residency), please fill in the form below to contact Mia Malit-Cruz.  We would love to see you in New York!

Erica Glenn