David Önaç premieres Atlantic Requiem with London Symphony Orchestra
Composer David Önaç premiered his new work Atlantic Requiem this weekend featuring the London Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers.
Historical documents inspire new score
The composer was commissioned to use historical documents from the Lloyds of London archive. These records include transcripts describing enslaved people transported across the Atlantic in 1779. The work transforms these bureaucratic accounts into a musical narrative about human life.
Musical styles blend together
The performance combined syncopated funk and jazz with western classical architecture of the Latin requiem mass. Soloists performed alongside Gregorian chant and chattering banality of bureaucratic recitative during the concert. The piece features an expanded BBC Singers group and three soloists.
Conductor steps in last minute
Conductor Malcolm J Merriweather led the ensemble in a last-minute step-in for the premiere. The London Symphony Orchestra performed the big piece alongside the vocal groups. This event took place over the weekend at a major venue.
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