Gilkyson, E: Requiem

Arrangements by Craig Hella Johnson.

This CD captures the exquisite sound of Conspirare's Company of Voices, as heard and seen on national television in the US. In this one-hour concert contemporary music blends seamlessly with classical favourites, taking the listener on a journey of innovative sound, vibrant images and thought-provoking ideas.The concert was performed and taped live on October 12 at Austin's Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Now in its 17th season, Conspirare is recognised for its emotionally resonant performances and an extraordinary ability to connect with audiences, providing listeners with an evocative and often transformative cultural experience. Under the artistic leadership of Craig Hella Johnson, Conspirare has recorded 3 CDs and received four Grammy nominations. Its inaugural project for harmonia mundi usa, Threshold of Night, was released in September, 2008.

This CD returns Conspirare's Grammy®-nominated recording Requiem, originally released on the Clarion label in 2006, to the active catalogue. Selections on the disc range from Herbert Howells' Requiem to selections from Eric Whitacre's sublime Three Songs of Faith.Two works:We remember them by Donald Grantham and Eliza Gilkyson's Requiem, written in response to the catastrophic Asian tsunami in 2004, receive their debut recordings on this release.Taking up a theme as old as music itself, five modern composers turn their attention to reflections on death, loss and gratitude for living.