GALS, the Auckland Gay and Lesbian Singers is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017. As part of this year of celebration GALS wants to present an event that doesn’t just bring the joy of our choral singing to the community, but also help highlight an important issue for Auckland.
The Street Requiem was composed in Melbourne in 2014 by Kathleen McGuire, Andy Payne and Jonathon Welch. The work seeks to bring a sense of peace, remembrance and hope to communities around the world who are coming to terms with street violence, war and a loss of safety on the streets. This performance will be the New Zealand premiere.
It is a highly accessible, contemporary work including English, African and Greek lyrics alongside a modern setting of the traditional Latin texts. While at times deeply moving, the work is essentially optimistic and uplifting. The composers have utilised gospel, Celtic, neo-Romantic, neo-Baroque, Indigenous and contemporary genres and instrumentation to reflect the multicultural and multi-faith traditions of modern city living.
The Street Requiem will form the second half of the evening’s event. GALS will be joined on stage by other Auckland choirs for the Requiem, with the first half comprising each choir presenting a few of their favourite choral pieces.
Proceeds from the event will support Auckland City Mission, Lifewise and Rainbow Youth.
