Timeless Comfort, Modern Witness

In a deeply moving program that spans centuries and cultures, Joel Thompson’s Seven Last Words of the Unarmed is paired with Johannes Brahms’ Requiem. Together, these intensely personal pieces create a sacred space for reflection, healing, and the transformative power of music to speak what words alone cannot express. Performed by the Conspirare Symphonic Choir.

Program:

Seven Last Words of the Unarmed (2015)
Joel Thompson (b. 1988

Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45 (A German Requiem) (1868)
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
with soloists Chelsea Helm, soprano, and Tim O’Brien, bass

About the Music

Seven Last Words of the Unarmed  A meditation on the lives of seven Black men and an effort to focus on their humanity, experience Joel Thompson’s powerful music in this version for voices, string quartet, and piano.  Learn more.

Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45 (A German Requiem)

“As for the title, I must admit I should like to leave out the word ‘German’ and refer instead to ‘Humanity.'”
– Johannes Brahms

Recommended Listening

Artistic Personnel

Craig Hella Johnson, conductor

Conspirare Symphonic Choir