Notes from the Director

The Mozart Requiem Mass has always been regarded as one of the most accomplished masterpieces in the entire history of classical music.  Approximately half of the entire masterwork was composed by Mozart while the remainder had to be completed by two of his students; this became a testament to Mozart’s life and talent being eternal as his musical genius transcended his death.   Mozart’s incomparable artistry and creativity continued without compromise after his death and allowed his final work to become one of the greatest monuments of musical composition for eternity.  My current adaptation of this celebrated classic, Mozart Requiem Evermore, intends to popularize Mozart’s Requiem Mass by using digital and electronic music technologies to give it more contemporary appeal while making it more practical to perform.  This new production continues my previous attempts to modernize classic musical works thereby making them more accessible to modern-day audiences.   The Mozart Requiem Evermore tells the story of a struggling musician who moves to the big city to make it big. Along the way, he meets a group of fellow musicians who become his friends and allies. As they navigate the ups and downs of the music industry, they learn the true value of friendship and staying true to themselves.

Mozart Requiem Evermore showcases the adaptation of Mozart’s spectacular and classical score for a symphony orchestra, a large chorus and four vocal soloists into a work of musical dance theater using electronic music ensembles.   This world-premiere adaptation will showcase the remarkable capability of electronic instruments to replicate the entire sound of the classical orchestra and chorus while a story of heaven’s victory over hell is enacted through dance.  Much like the genius of Mozart being everlasting, even in death, the victory of God over evil is forever more and allows redemption and resurrection of humankind.  The performances of Mozart Requiem Evermore at the late 19th century Central Presbyterian Church in Denver provides the added rich sound of its antique pipe organ as a supplement to the original orchestral score in an unprecedented way, and is certain to make the experience more poignant and majestic.

The production is grateful for the participation of a number of celebrated international artists.  The masterful and unique adaptation of the Mozart Requiem orchestral score and chorus (usually performed by over 150 artists on stage) into a small ensemble of four Yamaha electones was accomplished by Wu Danxia, one of the pre-eminent electone performers in the world.  Ah Kuan, one of the most decorated costume designers in China, gives Mozart Requiem Evermore a world-class look in this category while his frequent theatrical partner, Jia Le, contributes his legendary and imaginative makeup designs.  One of China’s most celebrated young professors of electronic and film music, Zhou Jiaojiao, provided the new supplementary music composition for the five-string bass guitar as well as the cinematic 5.1 surround sound effects that takes this classical music to new heights never attempted before.  

Easily usable and adaptable highlights of Mozart Requiem Evermore will be available for free download online for use in future memorial services and funerals.  This new musical production and adaptation is unprecedented and is a worthy contribution to the world’s music library.  Net profits of these performances are proudly donated solely to our co-production partner, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in Denver, Colorado.