Berkshire Lyric Presents Jenkins' 'Requiem'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Lyric will present Karl Jenkins’ iconic choral "Requiem" at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, at St. Joseph’s Church on North Street.

"Requiem" is one of the 21st century’s most recognizable choral pieces, and also one of its most unique. In addition to traditional Latin commonly encountered in a Requiem Mass, the piece also incorporates movements featuring Japanese haiku poetry and the sounds of Oriental instruments. "Requiem" was written in 2005 by Jenkins, a composer with a background in film music. It is a very popular work in Britain, and this will be its first performance in Western Massachusetts.

Berkshire Lyric’s performance will include full orchestration with strings, harp, flute, French horn and percussion, as well as the talents of both the Berkshire Lyric and the Blafield Children’s choruses.

The program will be rounded off with shorter English masterpieces by Tallis, Purcell and Hoist. Tickets are $25, and children may attend free with adult.

In addition to presenting concerts, Berkshire Lyric supports a wide range of music education projects in Berkshire County.  For further information on Berkshire Lyric, visit berkshirelyricinfo.org.
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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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