Dan Forrest’s 'Requiem for the Living' draws on centuries of tradition in choral settings of the Requiem Mass (The Latin Mass for the Dead.) Rather than focusing on the souls of those who have departed and the agonies of the day of judgment, Forrest seeks to offer solace to those left behind. With lyricism, harmonic warmth, and textual choices unique to his own setting, he achieves an emotional directness and accessibility for singers and listeners.

The first half of this program will showcase a selection of the music Chorale will perform in Normandy, France, where we will represent the United States and Colorado Springs at the ceremonies commemorating the anniversary of D-Day. In light of what we have all experienced in the last two years, we find a profound resonance between Forrest’s Requiem and the purpose of our participation in the Normandy ceremonies. Music binds us together, offering us connection and healing in the shared human experience of loss.