On September 16, 2021, composer Zad Moultaka will pay tribute to Igor Stravinsky on the 50^th anniversary of his death with a concert at the Basilica San Giovanni e Paolo in Venice, Italy.

The program will feature Stravinsky’s final composition “Requiem Canticles,” which was played as part of the composer’s memorial service, followed by the world premiere of Moultaka’s new work “Requiem for a New World.” This composition draws from themes of ritual found in Stravinsky’s work, as well as a new text by Lebanese poet Etel Adnan.

The concert will be conducted by Roland Hayrabedian, founder of vocal performance company Musicatreize, which will serve as the choir alongside counter-tenor soloist Raffaele Pe. Projected visuals and animated lighting designed by Moultaka will illuminate the Basilica as well.

The event has partnered with the charity arcenciel to support the 50,000 students in Beirut whose access to higher education has been impacted by the explosion in 2020. arcenciel funds scholarships and provides devices and stables internet to allow for online learning.