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 May 2008 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Arts Singing a Song of Defiance By Christopher Schobert
The story behind Defiant Requiem is as wonderfully fascinating as the music itself. In a unique melding of past and present, Sidlin’s piece features Verdi’s “Requiem,” which a chorus of 150 prisoners sang in sixteen performances at Terezin during 1943–44. It was said to be a way of “singing to the Nazis what we cannot say to them.” This is a stirring reminder of the power of art amidst the most tragic of circumstances. The resident conductor of the Oregon Symphony, Sidlin was directly inspired by the story of Raphael Schaecter, the original conductor of the sixteen performances at the camp. Sidlin’s Defiant Requiem has received worldwide acclaim; it was even performed at a former Nazi warehouse at Terezin, which today is a museum. This staging, in 2006, was watched by an audience that included several members of the original choir. The Buffalo performance is a rare chance to experience a work that demands to be heard, and a tale that must be remembered. For more information on the May 4 show, or to purchase tickets, visit www.bpo.org, or call 885-5000. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
