"Requiem" presented by the West Village Chorale

Our winter 2025 concert, Requiem creates a dialog between two pieces for chorus and orchestra: the beloved Requiem of Gabriel Fauré and Seven Last Words of the Unarmed a recent (contemporary) work by Joel Thompson (b. 1988).  Thompson’s work adapts the traditional setting the “Seven Last Words from the Cross” to explore the tragedy and complex emotions of the final words of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and four other Black men whose untimely death came at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve.  Fauré’s Requiem—long a staple of choral repertoire—provides the counterpoint with its focus on eternal rest and consolation.  
 

Featuring soloists soprano Sonya Headlam and and bass-baritone Justin Beck. 

Please be advised that the content of Seven Last Words of the Unarmed may be upsetting to some audiences.