Requiem for Darfur

Requiem for Darfur

Democracy Council Presentation

All-Star Performance of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem Benefiting Communities Affected By the Conflict in Darfur, Sudan

- Leading Artists from the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, MET Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, American Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Brooklyn Philharmonic, Emerson String Quartet and ALARM WILL SOUND to grace the stage at Carnegie Hall -

'Requiem for Darfur is a deeply inspiring example of what we musicians can do to make a difference for humanity's most pressing needs.' - Gunther Schuller, Pulitzer Prize winner, Composer, Conductor

Listings Information Requiem for Darfur Date: Monday, January 22, 2007 Time: 8:00 pm Venue: Isaac Stern Auditorium/Ronald O. Perelman Family Stage Carnegie Hall New York City Tickets: Tax-deductible tickets from $27 to $1000 available through CarnegieCharge (212-247-7800) or www.carnegiehall.org

NEW YORK, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, a specially-assembled orchestra of instrumental luminaries from around the globe, four distinguished soloists and a chorus of 150 will join Singaporean-born Indian conductor George Mathew in a singular performance of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem. Presented by the Democracy Council, Requiem for Darfur takes the stage at Carnegie Hall on January 22, 2007.

Benefiting relief efforts and advocacy for the almost 4 million people in Darfur and Chad acutely affected by the conflict, Requiem for Darfur is Artistic Director Mathew's brainchild. Together with leaders from the musical, humanitarian, academic and business communities, Mathew conceived the idea to gather some of the world's finest musicians for a humanitarian purpose employing the music itself as its central source. The event's advisory board is a whose -- who of classical music and celebrity activists, such as Mia Farrow.

"We envisage an historic musical event that will serve as a memorial for the countless people who have lost their lives, raise funds and highlight the plight of the victims while aiding the efforts to alleviate their suffering," said Mathew.

"Requiem for Darfur will raise funds and awareness of the suffering of our fellow human beings in western Sudan," said James Prince, President of the Democracy Council. Beneficiary organizations include UNICEF, American Jewish World Service, Refugees International, and National Council of Churches.

"Verdi's great Requiem is simultaneously music of mourning, consolation and a stern, urgent reminder of accountability and responsibility that each of us bears for the well being of our fellow creature," added Mathew. "There is no more fitting way for us in the musical community to give voice to the acute need, fear, suffering and hope, of the victims of this catastrophe. Verdi's magisterial music and the ancient text speak with a sternness and immediacy that is utterly central to the responsibility that we, as a global community, must heed today."

Mathew will be joined by Glenn Dicterow, concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, as well as musicians from the world's leading orchestras and ensembles.

"George Mathew has organized a unique group of world-renowned artists to make a symphonic statement to the world. The message is that we should all be united in spirit, harmony and purpose. We also have a duty to be there for each other in times of need. Our community of artists will create a musical experience showing that mutual care and understanding can make a difference in the world," remarked Dicterow.

Requiem for Darfur operates under the sponsorship of Democracy Council (www.democracycouncil.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and freedoms in emerging countries. Contributions to the Democracy Council are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations may be made in the following ways:

Democracy Council

Founded in 2002, the Democracy Council (www.democracycouncil.org), a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, is dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and rule of law in developing countries. The Council enjoys a reputation for developing practical partnerships with local partners and leading organizations, particularly in areas of post-conflict or significant change. The Council operates from its headquarters in the United States with offices in Amman, Guatemala City, and Jerusalem. Contributions to the Council are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

George Mathew, Artistic Director

George Mathew returns to Carnegie Hall as Artistic Director and Conductor, following his Carnegie Hall debut in January 2006 as Artistic Director and Conductor of Beethoven's Ninth for South Asia, a benefit concert for survivors of the devastating 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.

Media Contact:
Zachary Hastings Hooper, The Rosen Group
202.862.4355
Zachary@rosengrouppr.com

Source: Democracy Council

CONTACT: Zachary Hastings Hooper of The Rosen Group, +1-202-862-4355,
Zachary@rosengrouppr.com, for the Democracy Council

Web site: http://www.democracycouncil.org/

-------
Profile: intent