Performance: The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed

It is known that music is a powerful tool of expression and communication. It is one of a few universal human experiences that can be understood across cultures, tied to our ability to feel deeply complex and beautiful emotions, hearing them reflected through profound performances and recordings. Directed by CC Choir director, Deborah Teske, the performance of Joel Thompson’s The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed on March 9 was a perfect example of how sometimes the human experience, while beautiful and complex, can be plagued with tragedy and discomfort. The soaring voices of the CC Chamber Chorus, the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, and the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale sang with vulnerability, courage, and compassion towards the tragic stories of others. Thompson’s piece was composed as a prayer for empathy for seven black men and boys who were unjustly killed – Kenneth Chamberlain, Trayvon Martin, Amadou Diallo, Michael Brown, Oscar Grant, John Crawford, and Eric Garner. Using their final words as lyrics and as inspiration for this seven-movement work, each movement is dedicated to their final moments.

There was overwhelming support for the performance as Celeste Theatre was filled with members of the community. Together the singers and audience were unified, reflecting together on the injustice and inequalities that still plague our country. This performance was made even more special as the singers were able to work with Dr. Regina Lewis, a local speaker and mentor who promotes diversity and leadership. According to Teske, Lewis encouraged the singers to “recognize the responsibility they have as artists to let the music speak through them so they can give it to the audience.” Lewis helped the singers realize that they are “responsible for starting and restarting the conversation” on inequality. One singer even said that while the music is “not comforting,” they remember that “it’s that exact feeling that leads people into action.”

Thompson hopes that one day his piece will cease to be relevant, but until then, his significant addition to choral works will continue to touch lives. It is a small token that can give others the courage to continue the conversation over inequality and to act towards dismantling barriers between social and racial cultures.

Photos:

1. CC Music Department collaborated with the CC Chamber Chorus, Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and piano and string musicians to perform Seven Last Words of the Unarmed on March 9 at Celeste Theatre. The last words of seven unarmed black men – Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant, Eric Garner, Kenneth Chamberlain, Amadou Diallo and John Crawford – are the subject of this multi-movement choral work by Atlanta-based composer Joel Thompson. Photo by Jamie Cotten.
2. Deborah Teske conducts Seven Last Words of the Unarmed on March 9 at Celeste Theatre during a collaboration with the CC Chamber Chorus, Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and piano and string musicians. Photo by Jamie Cotten.
3. CC Music Department collaborated with the CC Chamber Chorus, Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and piano and string musicians to perform Seven Last Words of the Unarmed on March 9 at Celeste Theatre in Cornerstone Building on CC’s campus. Photo by Jamie Cotten.
4. Dr. Regina Lewis, a guest speaker and facilitator, addresses the audience during the CC Music Department’s performance of Seven Last Words of the Unarmed on March 9 at Celeste Theatre. Photo by Jamie Cotten.
5. Dr. Regina Lewis, a guest speaker and facilitator, has a moment of reflection during a performance of Seven Last Words of the Unarmed on March 9 at Celeste Theatre. Photo by Jamie Cotten.