(Photo credit: Island Live Photography)

The Cecilia Chorus of New York is set for a special performance at Carnegie Hall on April 26, 2025.

The showcase will feature a performance of Brahm’s “German Requiem” as well as the New York premiere of Adolphus Hailstork’s “The World Called.”

The famed Brahms work will showcase the talents of soprano Brandie Inez Sutton and baritone Justin Austin. “The World Called,” based on the poem “Testimonial” by US Poet Laureate Rita Dove, is set for solo soprano, chorus, and orchestra. Dove herself will be on stage reciting her poem, which was a response to the murder of Heather Heyer in Charlottesville on August 12, 2017. Heyer’s mother Susan Bro, will also address the audience.

The work was commissioned by the Oratorio Society of Virginia and had its world premiere back in May 2018.

“When ‘The World Called’ was premiered, the musical tribute was not made public.  Hailstork has authorized its disclosure in connection with this concert, whose music-making and message we dedicate in full memory of a principled life, ended too soon,” said Mark Shapiro, who will conduct the concert, per an official press release.

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