Street Requiem – A Concert In Memoriam From The School Of Hard Knocks

Iconic vocal ensemble The School of Hard Knocks presents the Sydney premiere of Street Requiem in memory of those whose lives were lost in the recent Martin Place siege in Sydney and terrorist attacks in Paris. Aiming to bring a sense of peace, remembrance and hope to communities that are struggling with violence and a loss of safety on the streets around the world, the concert will feature a selection of choirs and proceeds will be donated to beyondblue, the organisation working to reduce the impact of depression, anxiety and suicide in the community. beyond blue is the charity chosen by Tori Johnson’s family in his memory.

Conceived by Dr Jonathon Welch AM, Street Requiem is written in collaboration with composer and conductor, Dr Kathleen McGuire, and Director of Curriculum for the School of Hard Knocks, Andy Payne. This performance features soprano, Cheryl Barker, and members of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, Macarthur Singers, Door in the Wall, and THECHO!R from Melbourne.

Street Requiem creator and award-winning conductor of Choir of Hard Knocks, Jonathon Welch said, “I believe there is a strong link between the messages in Street Requiem and the unspeakably traumatic experiences of the recent events in Sydney and Paris. It is a great honour to offer our support to the residents of Sydney and we hope this performance will provide an opportunity for reflection and consolation through the music we have written.” 

Street Requiem employs gospel, Celtic, neo-Romantic, neo-Baroque and contemporary compositional styles and instrumentation to reflect the multicultural and multi-faith traditions of modern city living. This beautiful piece of contemporary work is deeply moving, but also optimistic and uplifting, providing audiences with an opportunity to reflect and remember those who have died on the street.

Dr Jonathon Welch AM & Dr Kathleen McGuire, conductors
Cheryl Barker, soprano
Jonathon Welch, tenor
Massed ‘Absolutely Everybody’ Sydney choir – including members of Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, Macarthur Singers, Door in the Wall and THECHO!R (Melbourne)

Tickets: $20 to $30

Bookings:  www.schoolofhardknocks.org.au