David Önaç: Atlantic Requiem

Malcolm J Merriweather

A new Requiem Mass by David Önaç commemorating the lives of Africans trafficked into slavery.

The work draws on research by Johns Hopkins University into the historic involvement of Lloyd’s of London in providing insurance for ships involved in the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans – along with liturgical ritual, biblical texts and documents from the Lloyd’s archives. The sound world is influenced by the composer’s cultural heritage, bringing together European contemporary classical music and the African American traditions of spirituals, jazz and gospel.

Anthony Parnther has had to withdraw from conducting the performances of Atlantic Requiem at LSO St Luke’s on 11 October due to ill health. The LSO is extremely grateful to Malcolm J Merriweather for agreeing to step in to conduct at short notice. Posted on 5 October 2026. Ticket holders will be contacted separately.

Programme: David Önaç · Atlantic Requiem (world premiere) — Malcolm J Merriweather conductor * · Brittany Renee soprano · J’Nai Bridges mezzo-soprano · Orson Van Gay II tenor · BBC Singers · London Symphony Orchestra