Washington Chorus Premieres New Joel Puckett Work and the Mozart Requiem November 19, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2006 CONTACT: Dianne Peterson
Executive Director (202) 342-6221
dianne@thewashingtonchorus.org

The Washington Chorus Opens 2006-2007 Subscription Season
Presenting a concert of “Hope and Remembrance”
Mozart Requiem Puckett This Mourning (World Premiere) Beethoven Elegischer Gesang

Washington, D.C. – Under the direction of Music Director Robert Shafer, Grammy® Award winner The Washington Chorus (TWC) opens its 46th season on November 19 at 3 PM in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall with a commemorative concert of Hope and Remembrance marking the five-year anniversary of the tragedies of September 11, 2001. For this special concert The Washington Chorus has commissioned This Mourning from composer Joel Puckett. Based on the stunning poetry of Emily Dickenson and Thomas Bailey Aldrich, chorus, orchestra, tenor soloist Steven Tharp, and a “chorus” of forty crystal glasses join forces with a work dedicated to the memory of the Pentagon victims of 9/11. "This work involves massive forces working together to bring a message of hope, consolation and, above all, optimism. I've been frequently asked why I chose to include a chorus of 40 crystal glasses in the final movement. The consort of glasses provides a stark and pure reminder of the lives lost. They remind us of the profound, collective sadness of that day even as we move forward and hope for peace,” says Puckett.
Puckett’s work is complemented by another beautiful elegy, Beethoven’s Elegischer Gesang. The program features the Mozart Requiem which was sung all over the world as a “Rolling Requiem” on the first-year anniversary of 9/11. The Requiem features soloists Laura Lewis, soprano; Karyn Friedman, mezzo-soprano; Steven Tharp, tenor; and Kevin Deas, baritone. The Chorus is honored that National Endowment for the Arts Chairman and published poet Dana Gioia will read the poetry and add his own special words. A free pre-concert discussion in the Kennedy Center Atrium will precede the concert. Melinda Whiting, former Editor-in-Chief of Symphony Magazine and frequent national radio host, joins Joel Puckett for the discussion.
Tickets are available from The Washington Chorus at 202-342-6221 or securely online at www.thewashingtonchorus.org. Tickets may also be purchased from Kennedy Center Instant Charge by calling 202-467-4600. This year TWC offers new special value seating, providing many seats at $29 in the Orchestra.

About The Washington Chorus
Founded in 1961 as the Oratorio Society of Washington, The Washington Chorus presents an annual subscription series at the Kennedy Center under the baton of Robert Shafer and frequently appears at the invitation of the National Symphony Orchestra. The Washington Chorus is noted for its stellar and critically-acclaimed performances and recordings of the entire range of the choral repertoire. TWC won a Grammy® Award in 2000 for Best Choral Performance of the Year for its live-performance recording of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. In addition to its recordings, the 200-voice Chorus has been broadcast and nationally televised, and tours internationally every other year. The Chorus considers its many education and community outreach initiatives an integral component of its mission. More information is available at www.thewashingtonchorus.org.

For more information about composer Joel Puckett visit www.joelpuckett.com

Official Website: http://www.thewashingtonchorus.org