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The Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin presented the U.S. premiere of The Cry: A Requiem for the Lost Child by contemporary English composer Adrian Snell on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at Carthage College, Kenosha, WI. This event opened their 2012-2013 season. Artistic Director James Schatzman conducted, and the composer and arranger David Drummond were both travelled from England to attend the performance.
The Cry is an act of remembrance for those affected by the loss of life or childhood due to violence. Through this work, feelings of anger, grief and helplessness are transformed into feelings of hope, healing and peace. “Adrian, with author Murray Watts, has woven the authentic words of children who have suffered war, conflict and ethnic cleansing.” (http://www.adrian-snell.com/biography.php) The piece is scored for orchestra, chorus, and vocal soloists, and texts come from voices of children ranging from the World War II era to the present. The Searcher, despairing, becomes The Searcher after truth. The Lost Child, beset by challenges, finds hope and belief in a worthwhile future.
This season of the Choral Arts Society is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by a grant from the Racine Arts council. Support for this program comes from the Racine Community Foundation.