Requiem for the Living
Composed in 2014 by American composer Dan Forrest, Requiem for the Living is a contemporary work that has received widespread critical acclaim. Central Coast Philharmonia performed the work with a 16-piece orchestra and soloists Hannah Greenshields and Jessica Carter.
In recent years, Musical Director Philip Rees OAM had selected a range of outstanding contemporary works by composers including Alexander L’Estrange, Karl Jenkins, and Eric Whitacre. Central Coast audiences were often among the first in Australia to hear these modern masterpieces.
“Phil certainly has taken us on an amazing musical journey through familiar and unfamiliar territory,” said Philharmonia President Duncan Waight.
According to Dan Forrest, "There wasn't any one particular event commemorated by this; rather, it's written as a response to the problem of pain and sorrow that we all face at one time or another. Part of the human condition is that we all need a requiem ("rest") sooner or later in this life. Accordingly, I'd like for my work to speak Christ's words of comfort to all who are weary, or hurting."
Reviews
- "Phil threw himself into the conducting and the Philharmonia responded wholeheartedly. The work was full of intense feeling especially in the Sanctus. Phil's explanation about the Vanitas movement reflecting the rush of modern life was insightful and the tricky and rapid rhythm was negotiated with ease.
- Hannah Greenshields sang with authority and feeling. Tim was superb. Hats off to the Central Coast Youth Orchestra who, under Phil's direction, gave the chorus just the right amount of support.
- Well done, Philharmonia." PM
Programme
