In his Requiem (Mass for the Souls of the Departed) from 2009, Sir Karl Jenkins, who celebrates his 80th birthday this year, adds five haiku chants on the theme of death to the traditional Latin movements. The composer follows his own tradition of using elements from other cultures and world music. The work has 13 movements, which in Japanese culture is a divine number that receives special blessings.
Such haikus are short poems related to nature and have a single thought or motif, such as ‘snow of yesterday’, which recalls melting snow and water as a symbol of the cycle of life. The haiku songs are sung by the children and young people of the Upper Valais Singing School.
Combined with Japanese elements, the requiem has a more universal meaning and expresses grief and hope that transcend denominational boundaries. Let yourself be surprised!
Karl Jenkins' work is dedicated to his late father as a musician and inspiration.
Performers:
Concert Choir Singing School Upper Valais
Conductor: Hansruedi Kämpfen
International Project Choir Walchwil
Camerata Walchwil
Concertmaster: Andri Mischol
Conductor: Peter Werlen
Performances
Catholic Church Walchwil
Sunday, 3 November 2024 – 17.00 hrs
Rock church Raron/VS
Saturday, 16 November 2024 – 6.00 pm