Sven Helbig’s REQUIEM A celebrates its UK premiere at Central Hall Westminster on 4 October, 2025, featuring René Pape, the London Contemporary Orchestra, and four European choirs.
On 4 October 2025, Central Hall Westminster in London – the historic site of the first United Nations meeting – will host the UK premiere of REQUIEM A by German composer Sven Helbig, recently released on the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label.
The work, a meditation on grief, memory, and renewal, will be performed by the London Contemporary Orchestra, joined by four European choirs – the Dresdner Kreuzchor, Trinity Boys Choir, Poznań Boys’ Choir, and La Maîtrise de Garçons de Colmar, 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 blends classical orchestration, choral tradition, and electronics. Inspired by Sven Helbig’s personal reflections on history and conversations with his daughter, Ida, the work meditates on human resilience and the possibility of new beginnings. The Requiem’s nine movements, including bass arias performed by René Pape, move the listener from collective memory to personal reflection.
‘Never before has one of my concerts carried such intensity – on a personal, artistic, and political level. I began REQUIEM A in a state of deep disillusionment and, thanks to my daughter, brought it to completion with renewed hope. To now share this work in London alongside such outstanding artists is profoundly meaningful to me,’ says Sven Helbig.
Sven Helbig likens REQUIEM A to ‘a destroyed and partially rebuilt city.’ Classical forms stand alongside modern elements, ‘silently acknowledging the layers of history embedded in the place.’ This architectural metaphor shapes his compositional approach: repetition, slow harmonic developments, and vocal invocations mirror ritual gestures, creating a shared, almost liturgical space for both performers and audience.
Director Martin Lehmann emphasizes the work’s future-oriented spirit: ‘Requiem A represents the hope carried by younger generations. The adults of tomorrow have the opportunity to grow through cooperation and communication. I am therefore delighted that its London performance takes place under the banner of European exchange.’
This spirit of remembrance and collaboration is echoed by the choirs themselves. The Poznań Boys’ Choir reflects on their own country’s history: ‘As Poles, mindful of the tragic wartime experiences of our country, the opportunity to participate in a concert commemorating the victims of wars and violence holds a very special meaning.’ Similarly, La Maîtrise de Garçons de Colmar, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, underscores the significance of the performance: ‘Performing REQUIEM A with choirs from across Europe is a highlight, reflecting the values of sharing, openness, and remembrance that guide us.’ Nick Mulroy, Director of the Trinity Boys’ Choir, adds: ‘It will be a joy to see young people from all four countries working together to create something beautiful, powerful, and eloquent.’
Tickets for the London premiere are available now, offering audiences a rare chance to experience one of Europe’s most innovative contemporary composers at the height of his creative powers.
For tickets click here.