North Park University Ensemble to Perform in 'Urban Dolorosa' Remembrance

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Nov 01, 2011, 03:58 ET

CHICAGO, Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Park University Chamber Soloists will perform in a series of five Chicago multimedia concert events Nov. 1-6 that honor the memories of more than 260 Chicago children who have died as a result of violence in the past three years.

Known as "Urban Dolorosa" (The Sorrowing City), the project involves a memorial pilgrimage to various locations throughout the city. Urban Dolorosa asks all city residents "to notice our dead and dying children, and to work together for peace by joining this memorial pilgrimage and committing to end youth violence in our city," according to a news release. A significant ecumenical and multicultural group of Chicago religious leaders, artists and community leaders organized the pilgrimage and concerts.

"I think this is the noblest charitable project I've ever done," said David Yonan, who directs the Chamber Soloists for the North Park University School of Music. "This particular project is something which I fully endorse and fully support."

Yonan learned of the opportunity from one of the project's organizers, the Rev. Susan Johnson, senior minister, Hyde Park Union Church, Chicago. Yonan presented the idea to University leaders who enthusiastically supported the Chamber Soloists' involvement. The students have held at least 15 practices to prepare for the memorial concerts.

The eight-member North Park University Chamber Soloists and others will perform a 50-minute classical requiem written by Father Vaughn Fayle, OFM, Chicago, a South African composer, with lyrics by Susan Johnson. The North Park soloists will also perform a prelude, "Summa," at each concert, written by Estonian classical composer and Oscar winner, Arvo Part." Student violinists from Columbia College will perform with the North Park ensemble, Yonan said.

Dates and locations of the Chicago Urban Dolorosa memorial events are:

Nov. 1, 7 p.m., The Faith Community of Saint Sabina, 1210 W. 78th Place
Nov. 2, 5:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St.
Nov. 3, 7 p.m., New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 4301 W. Washington St.
Nov. 4, 7 p.m., Holy Cross/IHM Parish, 46th St. & Hermitage Ave.
Nov. 6, 5:30 p.m., Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave.