Requiem (a Prayer For Itaewon)

South Korea has experienced rapid, robust, and remarkable economic success since the 1980s. This development has been achieved not only in commerce but also in its vibrant entertainment and social communities. The day of the tragedy in 2022 began as a Halloween celebration of nearly 100,000 in a densely packed entertainment area in Itaewon but ended with the death of more than 150 who were crushed in the large crowds. Because of the crowd surge conditions, emergency vehicles could not get to the attendees and victims quickly. Maestro Ko's setting of the portion of the liturgical Latin requiem text captures the helpless pleas of the Korean community and also serves as a lament for all who face the worst tragedies in this fast-moving and ever-changing world.