Lincoln Center Is Launching "Memorial for Us All," a Weekly Musical Series Honoring Those We've Lost

Photo credit: Frank Stewart
Photo credit: Frank Stewart

From Harper's BAZAAR

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, faith leaders are partnering with the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts to hold a weekly "community remembrance" on Sundays, honoring those who've passed away.

"In the midst of this unprecedented pandemic, while many rituals we hold dear are no longer possible, 'Memorial For Us All' offers unity, comfort, and healing through music, an art form intertwined with so many of our most beloved rituals around the world," the institution explained in a press release.

The series will kick off on May 3, at 6 p.m. ET. Wynton Marsalis, the Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, will inaugurate it.

"I'm proud to inaugurate the 'Memorial For Us All' series. These performances are intended to reach across generations, nations, class, race, and religions to unite us with the healing power of music. It is needed now, more than ever," Marsalis said in a statement. "On Sunday, we’ll perform the New Orleans Function, two traditional songs that exemplify the mood and progression of a funeral/parade as is our way down in the Big Easy. The slow mournful dirge "Flee as A Bird" is played, some well chosen words are spoken (in this case a roll call of the deceased), and the joyous, celebratory, irreverent "Didn’t He Ramble" allows us to transition from death to everlasting life."

Community members are welcome to submit the names of those they've lost, to be included in the memorials. (Those interested can learn more here.)

Viewers will be able to access these performances through Lincoln Center's YouTube page, Facebook page, and website.

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