Synopsis

We open our 45th season with the West Coast premiere of "The Unarmed Child", a heart-wrenchingly important work by composer Michael Bussewitz-Quarm created in response to gun violence against children.
The events at both Sandy Hook Elementary and Parkland High School were senseless acts of violence in a long and tragic trail of violence against children that left the composer feeling helpless. This beautiful and sensitive work memorializes those who were lost so they will not be forgotten. The musical language is immediately accessible, and the text is a combination of poetry which speaks directly to the heart and several movements of the Latin Requiem mass.

The second movement is a plea for us to come together, composed in collaboration with Adrian Dunn, an accomplished singer, composer, producer and CEO of HoperaWorld Entertainment. It is in the style of call-and-response spiritual and hip hopera rap, calling for “No more!” violence. We are privileged to have Adrian Dunn himself coming to perform this work in the fullness of the style that is intended.

The program will also feature Benjamin Britten’s Cantata Misericordium, featuring Delgani String Quartet. The cantata tells the story of the Good Samaritan and was composed for the centenary of the Red Cross.

Delgani String Quartet will also join Eugene Vocal Arts for Paul McCartney’s homage to all the lonely people – Eleanor Rigby.