Commemorative Performance of Mozart Requiem to Ring Out Around the World Sept. 11; Lincoln Center Hosts Local Event

A community choir organized by the Colorado State University director of choirs will join choirs in every other time zone around the world to perform Mozart’s Requiem in commemoration of the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The local performance at the Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., is part of a worldwide effort to honor those who died in the attacks. The Rolling Requiem will be performed around the globe at 8:46 a.m., the time of the first attack on the World Trade Center. The tribute will begin west of the International Dateline in New Zealand and the Philippines; cross the ocean to Japan, Siberia and China; flow on to Africa, India and Italy; move across North and South America; and complete the circle through the islands of the Pacific.

The tribute will create 24 hours of continuous singing around the world. Community members, faculty, staff and students will convene for the local performance when doors to the Lincoln Center open at 8:25 a.m. The event will begin at 8:46 a.m. and is free and open to the public.

"The organization of a perpetual requiem seems a stunning opportunity to commemorate the day," said Lee Egbert, local Rolling Requiem organizer and director of choirs at Colorado State. "This event is certainly unique, in my memory at least, and matched only perhaps by the nation’s numerous extemporaneous choral performances of various requiems that occurred the afternoon and immediate days following the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. The participation of the community, singers and players in this event will be a significant response in the healing life of this tragedy. I couldn’t imagine not participating in an event that will bring together so many players, singers, and listeners."

In Fort Collins, singers from across the region will present the Requiem. Participants will include members of the Colorado State University singers, University of Denver singers, Cherry Creek Chorale, Larimer Chorale, West Nebraska Chorale, Alpine Chorale and others. Soloists slated to perform are soprano Cynthia Vaughn, mezzo-soprano Lee Ann Scherlong, tenor Todd Queen and Jay Regan, bass.

The unique event is organized internationally by the Seattle Symphony Chorale.

Later that day, Colorado State will host a remembrance and recognition event on the Lory Student Center Plaza. Participants will gather at noon for a program that will include music, reflections, a moment of remembrance and dedication of a peace pole.

Classes will not be canceled, but departments are encouraged to arrange schedules to accommodate those who wish to attend the events.

For more information on the international Rolling Requiem, visit www.rollingrequiem.org.