Fifth Annual Interfaith Concert 2015
Arts & Faith St. Louis is presenting its annual free concert to bring together people of all backgrounds and faiths. This is an opportunity to gather for reflection and unity in hope of peace. The event has proven to be an exciting, moving and transformative experience for audiences. This is the fifth consecutive year for the concert, which has consistently drawn capacity crowds and demonstrated that music is indeed a unifying experience.
Features internationally celebrated soprano Christine Brewer, named one of the top sopranos of the 20th century, and Brian Owens, jazz and soul vocalist. Rev. Starsky Wilson, President and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation and co-chair of the Ferguson Commission, will give opening remarks.
This year, the Interfaith Commemoration in Music takes on new meaning. “Given the civil unrest that occurred in Ferguson, MO last year, the St. Louis region, as well as the entire country, has struggled to address critical issues about race and intolerance,” says Carolyn Losos, Chair of Arts & Faith St. Louis. “The 2015 concert will involve different races, cultures, ethnicities, faiths, and economic and social backgrounds. By coming together as a community, there can be greater understanding and continued healing.”
The rich collaboration developed between Opera Theater of St. Louis (OTSTL) and the Jewish Community Relations Council’s (JCRC’s) Newmark Institute around the opera “The Death of Klinghoffer” led directly to the concept of making music the basis of the interfaith commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. OTSTL and the JCRC brought together an interfaith working group, Arts & Faith St. Louis, chaired by Carolyn Losos, to develop this effort.
Arts & Faith St. Louis was created with the mission of creating an ongoing, intentional relationship between the arts and the faith communities to build a more harmonious St. Louis.
“We are extraordinarily pleased with the outstanding musical program,” says Timothy O’Leary, member of the Arts & Faith St. Louis Concert Committee, and General Director of Opera Theatre Saint Louis. “From Christine Brewer and Brian Owens, to the choruses and other performers, this is a concert not to be missed.”
World-renowned soprano Christine Brewer was eager to participate in the first Arts & Faith St. Louis concert and continues to share the stage with a wide variety of performers. “We may sing in a different language, or pray in a different way, but we’re really all the same,” added Brewer.
Several additional Arts & Faith St. Louis events are also planned through its Community Programming Initiative (CPI), which provides ongoing opportunities for interfaith engagement through the arts that can lead to mutual understanding and respect of differing faith groups.
Additional performers include:
- In Unison Chorus, gospel chorus from the St. Louis Symphony
- Courage Counts, vocal ensemble of young people from Ferguson
- Catholic Hispanic ensemble
- Rabbi James Stone Goodman
- Turkish Muslim group
- Hindu Temple
- Sikh Study Circle
- Mormon Rising Generation St. Louis Youth Chorus
Following the concert, guests are invited to participate in an interactive art where they will express their sentiments and wishes for a more harmonious St. Louis.
This is an opportunity to gather for reflection and unity in hope of peace. See printable flyer for details.
Join us and bring your friends and family. The event has proven to be an exciting, moving and transformative experience for audiences.
Visit our website www.artsfaithstl.org and like us on facebook: artsfaithstl
