“Requiem for My Mother” is the story of film composer Stephen Edwards’ journey of the loss of his mother and main musical influence Rosalie Edwards. As she is suffering and dying from ovarian cancer, Stephen undertakes the most challenging commission of his life. He channels all of his anger, passion, sadness, loss and hope for the future into a new major choral work that results in his receiving an invitation to present it, to perform it, in Vatican City at a noted music festival there.
Joining him on his quest is Candace Wicke, a dynamic choir director who chooses singers from several states, then pushes them to do their best, in the hopes of making Stephen’s personal mission appealing to the masses. To add to Edwards’ and Wicke’s project is the fact that the 160-voice choir and 50-piece orchestra will be allowed only one practice and one performance for a one-time broadcast on live television.
Requiem for My Mother showcases the collaborative journey that brought the composition to life, and celebrates the power and passion of music to transform grief into healing and hope for the future.
As the story of Stephen’s life and upbringing unfolds, the challenge of writing and presenting the Requiem with an amateur chorus at one of the world’s most famous music festivals will inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. Will this group of singers and musicians be up the challenge?
Originally Broadcast Nationwide on PBS
Winner, Best Music Documentary, Woods Hole Film Festival
Official Selection, American Documentary Film Festival
“This film is really special. Highly Recommended” – Irv Slifkin, Film Critic
About Stephen Edwards
Michigan native and US and Italian citizen Stephen Edwards’ music education began at an early age, with training by his mother, Rosalie Edwards, followed by studies at Interlochen Music Camp and Lawrence University where he was recipient of the “Outstanding Classical Soloist” award sponsored by DownBeat magazine, and selected as a participant in the All-American College Orchestra National Talent Search sponsored by Disney. Mr. Edwards continued his studies at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, and immediately started working as a session musician for film and TV composers like Mike Post.
2017 / 57 Minutes / Color / English / A film by Stephen Edwards and David Haugland
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