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Performing Faithfully: Music & Martyrdom

Cover image of book "Blood Letters: the Untold Story of Lin Zhao, a Martyr in Mao¿s China"
Friday, March 29, 2019
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts at Duke Divinity School is sponsoring "Performing Faithfully: Music & Martyrdom," an evening of music and conversation reflecting on and remembering the lives of martyrs from opposite ends of the world who are connected by their shared faith. The first half of the event will feature the world premiere of "Elegy," composed by Lu Pei of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in response to Duke Divinity Professor Lian Xi's book "Blood Letters: the Untold Story of Lin Zhao, a Martyr in Mao's China." Lin Zhao was the only known Chinese citizen to openly and steadfastly oppose communism under Mao during the Cultural Revolution. Her dissent was rooted in her Christian faith, and while imprisoned she used her own blood to write about what was happening to her country. Eight years later she was executed. After remarks by Lu and Lian, "Elegy" will be performed by Duke Divinity Professor Jeremy Begbie on the piano, along with three members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The second half will feature a conversation with Salvadoran composer Carlos Colón, followed by performances of his "Requiem: Las Lamentaciones de Rufina Amaya," and "Veo Violencia en la Ciudad," a work composed in celebration of the canonization of Oscar Romero. Co-sponsors are the Duke Department of Music, the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, and the Asian Pacific Studies Institute. The event is free but registration required.

Contact: Dan Train