Sometimes we in Fort Worth enjoy the world premieres of new theater works or are privileged to be the first to see a new art exhibit, but that seldom happens in the realm of classical music. The Van Cliburn Competition premieres a new piano piece every four years, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has given us the first hearing of new orchestral works. However, this weekend, the Trinity Episcopal Church choir will bestow upon us the first-ever performance of Nicolás “Nico” Gutiérrez’ Requiem for the New World.
Gutiérrez is a TCU graduate who used to be a member of Trinity’s choir. Now 25 years old, he has worked in the music department of several documentary and fiction films (including the upcoming Dumplin’, with Jennifer Aniston), but he aims to be a composer for the concert hall. He has cited medieval choral composers such as Palestrina, Gabrieli, and Thomas Tallis as his musical inspirations, and his new work takes up specifically Latin themes while meditating on death and the afterlife. The premiere will be held on All Souls’ Day, with an encore performance on the following Sunday afternoon.
The performances are 7pm Fri & 2pm Sun at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3401 Bellaire Dr S, FW. Admission is free, but a $10 donation is requested. Call 817-926-4631.
