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Mozart’s Requiem: A universal journey of emotion, and the buoyancy of Martines’ Dixit Dominus

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Mozart’s Requiem is a work that needs no introduction. Its haunting melodies and profound emotional depth have touched countless hearts across generations and continents. This season, as our choir prepares to perform this timeless masterpiece at Cadogan Hall on 22nd March, I find myself reflecting on how this piece has accompanied me through a number of personal and collective journeys. By pairing the Requiem with Marianna Martines’ vibrant Dixit Dominus, this concert promises to be both a celebration of the familiar and an invitation to discover something new.

My relationship with Mozart’s Requiem began in the unlikeliest of places to many – during my teenage years in Ankara, Turkey. Our choir, a diverse and spirited group, tackled this monumental piece with all the enthusiasm of youth. Though we couldn’t have grasped the full emotional weight of the Requiem then, singing it planted a seed within me.

Our choir was a microcosm of the world, and over the years, its members have spread far and wide – from the United States to Europe – while some remain in Ankara, carrying on the traditions of our forward-thinking, secular establishment. For me, those early performances of the Requiem remain a symbol of unity and shared purpose, memories I carry with me to this day.


A companion through life’s emotional landscape

As I’ve grown older, Mozart’s Requiem has become more than just a piece of music as I carried on singing it with various amateur choirs at different venues and different times in my life. It has been a companion through some of life’s most challenging and joyful moments. Its soaring melodies and profound harmonies seem to reflect the entire spectrum of human emotion.

There have been times when I’ve turned to the Requiem to find strength during grief. Its ‘Lacrimosa’ – achingly beautiful and tender – has helped me process heartbreak and loss. I’ve felt its power while worrying about my children’s health, its solemn tones grounding me in moments of fear and uncertainty. And when I’ve missed old friends or yearned for the innocence of childhood, the Requiem has served as a bridge to those memories, offering both comfort and connection.

Mozart’s music has a way of tapping into the soul, no matter where you are in life or the world. It’s a universal language, one that transcends borders and cultures, speaking directly to our shared humanity.



Shaping new memories under Harry’s baton

This year, rehearsing the Requiem under the direction of our conductor, Harry Bradford, has brought fresh insights and deepened my connection to this beloved work. Harry has a unique ability to draw out the emotional essence of the music, shaping each phrase with sensitivity and precision.

His conducting style is both inspiring and grounding, transforming rehearsals into moments of discovery. I find myself experiencing the Requiem in new ways, noticing details I’d overlooked before. Harry’s humour and passion infuse our rehearsals with energy, and his interpretations breathe new life into the piece, ensuring it remains as relevant and moving as ever.


Celebrating Marianna Martines

While Mozart’s Requiem is a household name, Marianna Martines’ Dixit Dominus offers a delightful contrast. Martines, an 18th-century composer and a contemporary of Mozart, deserves greater recognition for her remarkable talent. Her Dixit Dominus is a vibrant and intricate work, showcasing her mastery of choral writing and her ability to convey both power and grace.

Pairing the Requiem with Martines’ Dixit Dominus creates a wonderful contrast and richness in programming. While the Requiem delves into themes of mortality and transcendence, the Dixit Dominus brims with joy and exuberance, offering a sense of balance and renewal. This combination invites the audience to appreciate the richness of the choral repertoire and discover the brilliance of a composer who deserves her place alongside the greats.



Choral music and the future

As we stand on the cusp of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, the role of choral music takes on new significance. While AI is transforming many aspects of our lives, from communication to creativity, choral music remains an irreplaceable power of human connection. Singing together in harmony fosters collaboration, empathy, and a sense of shared purpose – qualities that are increasingly vital in an upcoming AI-driven world. The evolving relationship between tradition and innovation challenges us to find ways to integrate technology while preserving the authentic, emotional essence of choral music. As we embrace new tools and opportunities in a fast-paced world, choirs have the potential to shape a future where music continues to bring people together across cultural and technological divides.


An invitation to reflect and connect

As we approach our concert, I find myself thinking about the journey these pieces have taken me on, from my early days in Ankara to the present. I hope our audience will join us on this journey, experiencing the universal emotions of Mozart’s Requiem along with Regina Coeli and Divertimento in D and the fresh brilliance of Martines’ Dixit Dominus. We’ll be joined by the Beaufoy Sinfonia, many of whose players are recent graduates of the major London conservatories, as well as a team of exciting young soloists, including our wonderful current cohort of scholars.

This concert will be more than just a performance; it’s a shared experience, a moment to reflect on our connections to one another and the world. I hope you’ll join us for this unforgettable evening of music, memory, discovery and connection.


Sinem Erenturk

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