While requiems are typically held as part of honoring the souls of the dead, the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota is focusing on one for those left behind.

The ensemble performs “Requiem for the Living” this month at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Complete with harp, organ and an orchestra made up of professionals from across Central Minnesota and the Twin Cities, the youth ensemble will perform the 40-minute Masterwork.

“It’s a piece that’s meant for rest and healing for those that are living,” said Garrett Lathe, artistic director for YCCM.

The chorale hasn’t performed the piece for five years, the ensemble would have hosted a Masterworks concert last year but it was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“When you’re able to just hear something or experience something that is just pure beauty, it gives you a sense of otherness that puts your whole self in a different frame of mind.”

Lathe said he hopes the piece brings a sense of healing to the community.

During the past two years, he said, so many have been faced with loss and grief whether it’s the loss of someone close or the extent of loss in the world. The loss of those to COVID-19 complications in addition to the time of war in the Ukraine, he said, makes this piece particularly timely.

“It does bring on a sense of grieving,” he said. “Hopefully this helps us cope and we (can begin to) process it. It’s wonderful to process it together. Music helps get you outside yourself.”

Eighty-eight voices will join together for the performance in an event that most high school students, Lathe said, don’t have the opportunity to experience.

“It is one of the most beautiful works I’ve ever heard,” he said.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. April 10 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Tickets for the live performance are available at https://www.youthchorale.org/events/masterworks2022. Tickets can also be purchased to stream the concert.