A sing-along to die for
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American composer Michael John Trotta has teamed up with Choir of the Earth, Ben Parry’s London Voices and Hospice UK to help bring death and dying into the public conversation. Trotta is asking members of the public to Come and Sing at the world premiere of his new album Requiem for choir and organ on 8 May at St. Cyprian’s Church, Marylebone, London.
Trotta’s father passed away unexpectedly when he was seven, and music became his solace. Having spent a great deal of time playing and singing at funerals, he fell in love with choral masterworks. Keen to increase public knowledge of Death and Dying Awareness Matters Week (6 – 12 May) and raise money for Hospice UK, Trotta created Come and Sing to honour the Requiem tradition and bring it to new listeners.
Michael John Trotta said: ‘What began as a prayer for those gone before us, has become a prayer for those left behind, and a hope that everyone will find peace when facing the unknown. Requiem captivates the minds and hearts of all those who have lost someone and are seeking solace.’
Members of the public can take part in Come and Sing on 8 May whether they sing professionally or for pleasure, and benefit from a series of online rehearsals with Trotta himself ahead of the big day. Starting at 10.00am, Trotta will teach the Dies Irae from his Requiem album in addition to Mozart’s Lacrimosa, Brahms’ How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place and Faure’s In Paradisum; he will then conduct a short Community Sing-Through at 3.30pm when everyone will sing the Mozart, Brahms and Faure in front of an audience; at 3.45pm Hospice UK will host a 15 minute dialogue around the language of death and dying; at 4.00pm Michael conducts the London Voices, supported by George Herbert on the organ, for the World Premiere of Requiem. During this concert, the Come and Sing choir will join London Voices for Dies Irae.
Gemma Roberts, Head of Events and Supporter Engagement at Hospice UK, said: We are incredibly grateful to Michael John Trotta for his dedicated efforts in fundraising for Hospice UK. His outstanding support not only helps us continue our vital work, but also fosters meaningful conversations surrounding death and dying. Through this event, Michael will demonstrate the importance of open conversations about bereavement and create a safe space for these important discussions.
Anyone interested in joining Trotta for Come and Sing, or attending the afternoon concert, can book via www.labradorevents.com/michael-trotta-requiem. Tickets are priced £10 for Come and Sing and £5 for the concert, with all proceeds going to Hospice UK.
St. Cyprian’s Church, Marylebone, London, NW1 6AX
Wednesday 8 May
10.00am – 3.45pm Come and Sing workshop with Michael John Trotta
3.45pm – 4.00pm Dialogue around the language of death and dying hosted by Hospice UK
4.00pm – World Premiere of the Michael John Trotta’s Requiem with organ and choir featuring London Voices
Concert only: £5 per person
Come and Sing with Michael John Trotta: £10 per person
Book tickets: https://www.labradorevents.com/michael-trotta-requiem
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