Resonance Ensemble Presents new date for ‘Around the Requiem’ the world premiere film screening
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — April 25, 2023
RESONANCE ENSEMBLE PRESENTS NEW DATE FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE FILM SCREENING OF “AROUND THE REQUIEM” AT NEW EXPRESSIVE WORKS
The final film in a series of videos reflecting on the impact of ‘An African American Requiem’
PORTLAND, OR — On Sunday, May 21st, 2023, Resonance Ensemble invites the public to New Expressive Works for the world premiere of “Around the Requiem,” filmed in May of 2022. The short film features an intimate conversation with artists from An African American Requiem, the historic choral-orchestral work that had its premiere two days later. An opening reception will kick off the event at 4:00 PM, and the screening begins at 4:30 PM. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
From behind-the-scenes of the “My Requiem Story” series. Photo provided by Oh! Creative Productions.
About the Film
Baritone soloist Kenneth Overton talks with composer Damien Geter in Around the Requiem. Photo provided by Oh! Creative Productions.
Commissioned by Resonance Ensemble, the film was produced by Oh! Creative Productions and filmed on May 5, 2022—two days before the world premiere of An African American Requiem. In the film, poet Dr. S. Renee Mitchell moderates a conversation with composer Damien Geter; conductor William Eddins; soloists Brandie Sutton, Karmesha Peake, Bernard Holcomb, and Kenneth Overton; and Onry, a baritone from the African American Requiem choir. The group discusses the significance of Geter’s work, their experiences as Black artists in classical music, their struggles, and their joy.
Composer Damien Geter with All Classical Portland’s Adam Eccleston.
“Around the Requiem” is the final work in a series of videos and supporting materials that were produced to supplement the premiere of An African American Requiem. From the deeply personal My Requiem Story series to the educational curriculum—which reached hundreds of public school students—audiences and students in Portland were able to access the world premiere with deeper context. Resonance Ensemble has been working with Portland Public Schools to further develop this project for students across the nation to experience the Requiem and the larger history surrounding it.
“James Baldwin said it best, ‘you write to change the world...’” says A. Mimi Sei—author of the foreword for An African American Requiem. “Damien Geter was born to write this masterpiece, and it will change how we show up in the world.”
Along with A. Mimi Sei, speakers and post-screening panelists will include Resonance Ensemble Artistic Director Dr. Katherine FitzGibbon, composer Damien Geter, filmmaker Kenny Hamlett from Oh! Creative Productions, and more.
About the Event
An opening reception will kick off the free event at 4:00 PM and the screening begins at 4:30 PM. Resonance Ensemble’s Artistic Director Dr. Katherine FitzGibbon will introduce the 40-minute film. After the screening, all are welcome to stay for a conversation with FitzGibbon, Geter, Sei, Hamlett, and more.
A. Mimi Sei (left) and Dr. Katherine FitzGibbon (right).
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Donations are welcome.
For more information on New Artistic Works, including transit and parking, visit resonancechoral.org/new
Note to Journalists: Katherine FitzGibbon and Damien Geter are available for print, online, and broadcast interviews. If you would like more information on our season or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Liz Bacon Brownson at liz@resonancechoral.org or by calling 971-212-8034.
AROUND THE REQUIEM
WHEN: Sunday, May 21 @ 4:00pm
WHERE: New Expressive Works (N.E.W.) | 810 SE Belmont St. | Portland, OR 97214
TICKETS: Attendance is free, but registration is required.
For further details, visit resonancechoral.org or call our box office at (503) 427-8701
CLICK TO LEARN MORE:
Resonance Ensemble | Katherine FitzGibbon | New Expressive Works | Damien Geter | A. Mimi Sei | S. Renee Mitchell | Kenny Hamlett
*Unless otherwise credited, photos in this press release are by Rachel Hadiashar.
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