Schnittke's "Requiem"

In June, Slavyanka Chorus is proud to present the West Coast premiere of Alfred Schnittke’s Requiem — a powerful and unconventional work that stands among the most striking choral creations of the late 20th century. Originally composed in the Soviet era as incidental music for a theatrical production of Don Carlos, the piece brings together sacred resonance and modern dramatic intensity. Chant-like vocal lines, organ, brass, and vivid percussion combine to create a sound world that is haunting, deeply expressive, and spiritually searching — music that reflects on grief, memory, and the human longing for meaning.

By bringing this rarely performed work to West Coast audiences, we continue our mission of sharing profound and culturally significant choral music from Eastern Europe and beyond. We offer Requiem to invite listeners into an experience that is both challenging and deeply moving. This June premiere offers audiences a rare opportunity to encounter Schnittke’s visionary…