Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Dresden composer and producer Sven Helbig created Requiem A, which honors the victims of war and makes a profound plea for peace. Requiem A combines liturgical and new texts.

Sven Helbig belongs to the younger generation of composers for whom the boundaries between the classical orchestral world, experimental art and pop music do not exist. His new work Requiem A opens up a wide range of associations. The “A” in the title stands for “beginning” and uses poetic images to call for reconciliation and a new beginning. ‘Departure’, ‘Ashes’ and ‘Breathing’ are key words in the texts, which seek a way out of mourning and into life. The Requiem consists of nine parts. In an interview, the Dresden composer explains the formal language of his work: "In the spiritual world, the number 9 stands for new beginnings, for fulfilment, humanity and universality. The 9 also embodies the energies of the lion. It is about learning to deal with one's own power."

The Kreuzkirche is an impressive venue for this concert. Destroyed and rebuilt five times, it stands for resistance, hope, and the future. After the Second World War, a completely new building was erected on the old ground plan of the Kreuzkirche. "In the same way, Requiem A was created on an old floor plan. Kyrie and Agnus are the old monuments...some pieces like the Sanctus are supplemented by new texts by me...My Requiem is constructed like a destroyed and partially rebuilt city," explains Sven Helbig.

The requiem is set to live visuals by Icelandic video artist Máni Sigfússon. The world premiere took place on 9 February 2025 in the Dresden Kreuzkirche, performed by the Dresden Kreuzchor, the Sächsische Staatskapelle and the celebrated bass-baritone René Pape. This poignant work is intended to serve as a universal message of remembrance, reconciliation, and cultural exchange.

Remembrance Concert from Kreuzkirche Dresden

René Pape
Bass

Sven Helbig
Electronics

Máni Sigfússon
Visuals

Dresdner Kreuzchor

Joel Necker

Soprano
Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden

Musical Director
Cantor Martin Lehmann