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
Kazem Abdullah, 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)
Please rest assured that we will continue to put the health and safety of our patrons first. It is possible that performance dates could change. Should this happen, we will continue to provide flexible options for ticketholders, including donations, gift certificates, refunds, and exchanges for future events. For performances that take place as scheduled, standard ticket policies will remain in effect.
Ticketholders for the original performance date can reserve seats for no additional fee by contacting the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office at orsymphony@orsymphony.org or 503-228-1353.
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.
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205)
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