In lieu of the tragic massing shooting in Orlando, you can attend an inclusive vigil tomorrow evening, June 14, at Hill Auditorium for a community-wide performance of Mozart's Requiem in memory of the victims at 8:00pm.
Organized by Austin Stewart and Kevin Fitzgerald, the two launched a social media campaign on Sunday and have since garnered 50 instrumentalists and over 135 singers to take part. Performers represent a range of organizations, including the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, the Ann Arbor Symphony, the Dearborn symphony, the Rochester Hills symphony as well as the Michigan Philharmonic.
Organizer Austin Stewart released a statement that said, "In the aftermath of the tragedy in Orlando, there has been a lot of discussion among friends about building sanctuaries. We are striving to do that by creating a safe space with music, by creating a tapestry of voices representing every race, creed, sexuality and background."
[Mozart's Reqiuem] is a timeless piece that expresses the full range of emotions that come with grief and healing," the statement said. "Our hope is for the concert to build solidarity and strength through music and communal reflection."
From the event's Facebook page:
"All peaceful individuals, regardless of race, creed, sexuality, gender, and background are welcome to be present for this event, either as a performer or listener. There will be guest speakers who offer poetry and comments, and there will be a single ecumenical, pan-faith reflection offered."
If you're interested in performing as part of the orchestra or chorus, contact requiemfororlando@gmail.com with your voice part or instrument. The orchestra will rehearse tomorrow at 6:00pm in Hill Auditorium while the chorus will hold a 6:00pm rehearsal tomorrow at First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor. (120 S. State St.) This event is free and open to the public.
