The People's Requiem
Marking a return to large-scale music making, and in memory of those who have lost their lives during the pandemic, The People’s Requiem featured a massed orchestra and choir, comprised of Royal Northern Sinfonia, Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia, and over 200 musicians from the North East community. Following several months of rehearsals – both online and in person – the players and singers told us why they got involved:
“Working with people with cancer in the NHS during the pandemic I’ve seen at first hand the devastating impact of Covid, and associated restrictions, on people’s physical health and emotional wellbeing. I wanted to take part in The People’s Requiem as it felt a wonderful opportunity to join with others in our region to come together to publicly remember those we have lost and to reflect. Despite being incredibly musically challenging, and well outside my comfort zone at times, it has been an absolute and unforgettable privilege to have been able to be part of this project. “
“This represents inclusivity at its best. It is a fantastic opportunity to join in a big choral work mixing amateur and professional singers and players from the North East, to remember and honour those who died from Covid.”
“My father died in July 2020 and my wife’s father died in June 2021. Whilst neither death was Covid-related, due to the pandemic neither funeral was as large as would have been expected in normal times. I really wanted to take part in this project as my way of paying tribute to both men.”
“Why did I want to take part? Simple. To sing Verdi’s Requiem which is magnificent. To sing in Sage One which is fabulous. To sing with the Royal Northern Sinfonia which is a privilege and an honour.
“Having had Covid back in March 2020, long Covid has significantly impacted my health and what I’m able to do on a daily basis. I had hoped initially that I’d be fully recovered by the time of the project; it’s going to be a longer road than that. But taking part has helped me process some of what has happened to me over the last eighteen months, as well as to us as a society; to grieve for loss, both personally and more broadly; and as a person of faith, the musical choice and spiritual element has also been important. Finally, music helps me retain that sense of self, and feel more like myself, even if the body and mind aren’t working as they should / used to just now. Singing with everybody, I’m me again.”
