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Artist: Sven Helbig

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Sven Helbig:

Requiem A w/Staatskapelle Dresden

The world premiere took place on 9th February 2025 at the Dresdner Kreuzkirche, featuring Sven Helbig’s live electronics, the Staatskapelle Dresden and the Dresdner Kreuzchor under the baton of Martin Lehmann. Renowned bass René Pape, celebrated for his performances with the Berlin State Opera and New York’s Metropolitan Opera, will appear as the soloist.

REQUIEM A is a deeply introspective work that blends traditional liturgical texts with new ones written by Sven Helbig. The title’s "A" symbolises "Beginning" (Anfang in German), highlighting themes of renewal and reconciliation. The composition weaves poetic imagery to explore the transition from mourning to life, with key motifs such as "setting off" (Aufbruch), "ashes" (Asche), and "breathing" (Atmen) guiding its narrative. Inspired by Helbig’s reflections on history, memory, and the contemporary relevance of conflict, REQUIEM A remains grounded in hope and the potential for new beginnings. A visit with his grandfather, who occasionally shared memories of World War II, sparked a contemplation of how the echoes of war continue to resonate in present-day discourse. This connection to history is especially poignant, as REQUIEM A debuts during the 80th anniversary of the destruction of Dresden and the end of World War II.

Sven Helbig’s work bridges the ordinary and the extraordinary, offering deeply personal yet universally accessible reflections on loss, renewal, and hope. With REQUIEM A, he creates a meditation on human resilience and the possibility of new beginnings - an idea inspired in part by conversations with his daughter, Ida, who encouraged the symbolism behind the title. The following conversation between Sven Helbig and his daughter offers deeper insight into the personal and artistic journey that shaped REQUIEM A.