January 22, 2021

An African American Requiem (Rescheduled)

In accordance with federal and state guidelines to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Oregon Symphony concerts scheduled through June 14, 2021, in Portland and Salem are canceled. Oregon Symphony plans to resume live, in-person performances in Fall 2021. View full details

This important work has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. We will notify patrons via our website and email when tickets for the new performance date become available.

Oregon Symphony and Resonance Ensemble join forces to present the World premiere of An African American Requiem, Portland composer Damien Geter’s bold, thought-provoking musical response to violence against African Americans in the United States. Combining traditional Latin Requiem texts with civil rights declarations, poetry, and the famous last words of Eric Garner, “I can’t breathe,” this performance will honor past and present victims of racial violence and spur reflection on how to build a more hopeful future. Special Concert

William Eddins, conductor
The African American Requiem Choir, featuring Resonance Ensemble, Kingdom Sound Gospel Ensemble, and members of regional choirs
Katherine FitzGibbon, chorusmaster
Brandie Sutton, soprano
Karmesha Peake, mezzo-soprano
Bernard Holcomb, tenor
Kenneth Overton, baritone
S. Renee Mitchell, poet and narrator
Oregon Symphony

Damien Geter: An African American Requiem (World premiere)

Presented in partnership with:

Tickets start at $20

All Classical Portland will produce an unprecedented live, bi-coastal broadcast of this performance in collaboration with New York’s WQXR. With the goal of providing greater access to and amplification of this important work, these partner radio stations will later distribute a free program featuring the premiere to radio stations nationwide.