REQUIEM FOR A DEAD SUN

REQUIEM FOR A DEAD SUN is a work for 2 pianos, 3 percussionists, a large choir of 100 singers, and 2 vocal soloists. Although its form evokes the classical requiem, the piece is conceived as a single 80-minute movement and draws on elements of folk, pop, and even progressive rock. The libretto, written in English, is by Swiss rock musician Elie Zoé. The musical and dramaturgical narrative traces the birth, life, and death of a celestial body — our star, the Sun. Through this macroscopic perspective on cosmic cycles and temporalities, pianist and composer Alain Roche places our human condition in perspective, equally cyclical despite the difference in scale, while exploring the emotions linked to transformation and finitude. He shares the stage with German pianist Kai Schumacher, Australian singer Kat Frankie, Canadian singer Mark Bérubé, as well as Swiss percussionists Till Lingenberg, Didier Métrailler, and Alberto Malo. The large choir, composed of vocal ensembles from national or regional institutions, lies at the heart of the dynamics and progressions of the musical writing and contributes to the singularity of the project.

by Alain Roche

Cast