"Illuminessence: prayers for peace" In Concert

New England Conservatory partners with Mayor of Boston Thomas M. Menino to present a concert in remembrance of 9/11, sponsored by John Hancock Financial Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and BNY Mellon.

The world premiere of Illuminessence: prayers for peace, an interfaith oratorio by Silvio Amato (left), highlights the concert conducted by Benjamin Zander.  The NEC Youth Philharmonic Orchestra with chorus and vocal soloists perform the piece, commissioned by the Vatican and which touches on the commonality of human aspiration and the universal spiritual impulse as expressed in the prayers of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, along with other works.

To hear the concert, click on "Listen" above.

Benjamin Roe talks with composer Silvio Amato:

On the program:

Key:  The Star-Spangled Banner

Barber:  Adagio for Strings

Massenet:  "Meditation" from Thaïs with violin soloist Yuki Beppu (NEC Preparatory School student)

Amato:  Illuminessence: prayers for peace
chorus composed of singers from:
NEC Youth Chorale, Jonathan Richter, director
Young Men’s and Young Women’s Choruses from the
Handel & Haydn Society Vocal Apprenticeship Program,
Joseph Stillitano and Alyson Greer, directors
Kirsten Scott '08 Prep, soprano
Cristina Bakhoum '12 G.D., mezzo-soprano
Michael Kuhn, '12 M.M., tenor

Beethoven:  "Ode to Joy" from Symphony No. 9
with chorus and soloists