Sven Helbig's Requiem A

80 years after the end of the Second World War, Sven Helbig's Requiem A is performed in Dresden, commemorating the anniversary of the city's destruction.

Requiem A – the ‘A’ in the title stands for ‘Beginning’ (German ‚Anfang’), ‘setting off’ (Aufbruch), ‘ash’ (Asche), and ‘breathing’ (atmen). Words that describe the mourning, reconciliation and new beginnings after a time of conflict.

Composer Sven Helbig wrote his Requiem A in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Dresden's destruction and the end of the Second World War. However, war is not at the centre of his piece; he wants to thematise the subsequent reconciliation and forgiveness. Helbig, a self-taught composer of music for choir, orchestra, and chamber ensembles and a multi-instrumentalist, has collaborated with artists such as Snoop Dog, Rammstein, and the Pet Shop Boys.

The performance of Requiem A will feature visuals by the Icelandic film artist Máni M. Sigfusson, underscoring the Staatskapelle Dresden, the Kreuzchor Dresden, soloist René Pape, and the live electronics of Sven Helbig himself.

Original title Requiem A
Genre Concert
Composer Sven Helbig
Soloist René Pape
Choir Kreuzchor Dresden
Orchestra / Band Staatskapelle Dresden
Recording date February 9, 2025
Recording location Dresdner Kreuzkirche
Conductor Kreuzkantor Martin Lehmann
Duration 60 mins
Production Company C Major, ZDF Arte