Production concept

Re:  The story adaptation

Mozart Requiem Evermore turns the historic masterpiece into modern musical theater where voices of the Heavenly deities narrate the battle of Heavenly angels against the devils of hell.  The ultimate triumph of God in Heaven is celebrated by redemption and resurrection.

Re:  Music adaptation

Renowned Electone performing artist and music adaptation specialist, Wu Danxia, combines her talent with Beijing electronic music composer extraordinaire, Zhou Jiaojiao to transform the grand symphonic and choral score into a modern piece of musical dance theater by using four Electone electronic organs, an electric bass guitar, a percussionist and four vocal soloist with augmentation by the church’s 19th century pipe organ.

Re: Art Direction 

Using the backdrop of the Central Presbyterian Church’s altar featuring its 19th century pipe organ and a large replica of remarkable fresco, The Last Judgement by Michelangelo, the story of good versus evil is played out in an unprecedented manner as a dance drama.  The use of video projection, elaborate costumes and unique combinations of choreography allows for an unforgettable transformation of the Mozart Requiem. (See more under Art Direction page)

Re:  Costume Design and Makeup Design

World-renowned Beijing costume designer, Ah Kuan, and makeup designer, Jia Lei, again combine as a team to create spectacular and uncommon visual beauty for this unique theatrical presentation.  Their combined talent has been featured in countless theatrical production of immense national importance in China in nearly two decades. (See more under Art Direction page)

Re:  Electone electronic organs

The transformation of a massive symphonic and choral score, usually performed by over 150 musicians on stage, into an ensemble of four Electones has never been achieved before.  Mozart Requiem Evermore serves to prove that electronic music can contribute cost-efficiencies and allow these massive classical masterworks to be enjoyed by more contemporary audiences.

Re:  The vocal soloists and chorus

In Mozart Requiem Evermore, the four magnificent solo vocal parts sung in Latin have been re-designed to represent the four Heavenly deities of God the Father (bass), Jesus Christ (tenor), Mary Mother of God (mezzosoprano) and the Holy Ghost (soprano).

The traditional choral parts, also sung in Latin, is replaced by electronic Electone organs and augmented by the majestic sounds of an antique pipe organ.

Re:  Dance choreography

The well-known Cleo Parker Robinson Dance of Denver is the dance co-producer of Mozart Requiem Evermore and shall be beneficiary of this non-profit four-performance world premiere.

The dances of the Heavenly characters will be portrayed in dance style more akin to modern ballet whereas the dance style for the forces of Hell will be portrayed as modified Latin and tango.  The role of Satin will be performed by local Denver favorite, dancer and choreographer Diana Cruz.  Joining Diana to portray evil as Lucifer will be Sun Chenxue, one of the most prolific and technically accomplished Chinese classical dance artist in China.

Re:  Unique soundscape 

For the creation of the most unique musical soundscape for this electronic music adaptation, Mozart Requiem Evermore will add 5.1 surround cinema sound effects to its musical score and live playback so that our audience will experience the advanced effects that are usually expected for a modern cinematic experience.  

The production’s inventive use of an electronic bass as a symbol of “evil” in counterpoint to the classical score allows the addition of contemporary drama to the otherwise non-dramatic music characteristic of Mozart.

Invited well-known Beijing percussionist, Jin Tao, allows the unprecedented addition of a traditional Chinese drum, an electronic drum-set and a unique and rare Japanese electronic percussion board that provides a new level of music adaptation never before seen in the theatrical world.