In memory of those whose lives were lost in the recent Martin Place siege in Sydney and the terrorist attacks in Paris, the School of Hard Knocks presents the Sydney premiere of Street Requiem on Saturday 21 February.
Aiming to bring a sense of peace, remembrance and hope to communities that are struggling with violence and a loss of safety on the streets around the world, the concert will feature a selection of choirs and proceeds will be donated to beyondblue.
Conceived by Dr Jonathon Welch AM, Street Requiem is collaboratively written with renowned composer and conductor, Dr Kathleen McGuire, and Director of Curriculum for the School of Hard Knocks, Andy Payne, the performance features internationally acclaimed soprano, Cheryl Barker and members of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, Macarthur Singers, Door in the Wall, and THECHO!R from Melbourne.
“I believe there is a strong link between the messages in Street Requiem and the unspeakably traumatic experiences of the recent events in Sydney and Paris,” says Jonathon Welch.
“It is a great honour to offer our support to the residents of Sydney and we hope this performance will provide an opportunity for reflection and consolation through the music we have written.”
Presented by the School of Hard Knocks, Street Requiem employs gospel, Celtic, neo-Romantic, neo-Baroque and contemporary compositional styles and instrumentation to reflect the multicultural and multi-faith traditions of modern city living.
This beautiful piece of contemporary work is deeply moving, but also optimistic and uplifting, providing audiences with an opportunity to reflect and remember those who have died on the street.
Street Requiem
Verbrugghen Hall – Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Cnr Bridge & Macquarie Streets, Sydney
Performance: Saturday 21 February 2015 – 8.00pm
Bookings: www.schoolofhardknocks.org.au
For more information, visit: www.schoolofhardknocks.org.au for details.
Image: courtesy of the School of Hard Knocks