Damien Geter: A Cultural Voice Through Music
Local Roots with National Impact
Chesterfield County native Damien Geter is not just a name to remember; he’s a force. Now based in Chicago, Geter is completing his final season as composer-in-residence with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, a role that has allowed him to fuse his local roots with a broader artistic vision.
A Powerful Tribute
This Martin Luther King Jr. birthday weekend, Geter’s extraordinary composition, “An African American Requiem,” will showcase the immense power of music to confront social injustices. This monumental work for orchestra and chorus honors the victims of racial violence in the United States, drawing on the traditional structure of a Catholic funeral mass. Unlike its classical counterparts, such as Verdi and Mozart, Geter’s requiem addresses a pressing socio-political landscape, making the piece highly relevant today.
Inspiration Amid Social Turmoil
Geter began crafting “An African American Requiem” in 2016, a time marked by incoming political turbulence following the first Trump election. “I felt like we were going to be taking some steps back. Also, at that time, we were seeing people being killed by the police in the streets,” he reflects. Witnessing the tragic consequences of systemic racism compelled Geter to create art that captures the weight of those experiences.
Artistic Influences
To structure his requiem, Geter found inspiration in the works of classical giants. “I am a great fan of Verdi and Benjamin Britten,” he notes, acknowledging the power behind their narratives. The traditional requiem format provided a profound vehicle for commemorating those lost to racial violence and, as he explains, “It was an organic process… things just started coming together on their own.”
Composition Challenges
Crafting music specifically for voices comes naturally to Geter. As a virtuoso bass baritone vocalist himself, he approaches composition from an operatic lens, creating rich melodies shaped by his vocal background. “I may have a leg up on [composers who aren’t singers],” he states, emphasizing how this shapes his distinctive style.
A Blend of Styles
“An African American Requiem” is a rich tapestry of musical influences. While primarily a secular composition, Geter layers in elements beyond contemporary classical music. “There is some blues…one large jazz section,” he describes. Some listeners even detect shades of gospel, though Geter clarifies, “I don’t think that exists, at least not intentionally.” Ultimately, he aims for a piece that resonates across various audiences while maintaining flexibility for the full orchestra, choir, and four soloists.
Next Steps in Composition
Following “An African American Requiem,” Geter is set to unveil another milestone: the world premiere of “Loving v. Virginia” with the Virginia Opera this April. With the Richmond Symphony Orchestra performing his score under Valentina Peleggi, this upcoming premiere marks yet another chapter in Geter’s impactful career.
Art Making a Statement
As Geter reflects on the life of “An African American Requiem,” he finds solace and surprise in its enduring resonance: “I thought that [it] had run its course the last time around. Apparently, it had a second wind.”
Event Details
The Richmond Symphony Orchestra will present Geter’s “An African American Requiem” on January 17 at 7:30 p.m. and January 18 at 3 p.m. at the Carpenter Theatre. This significant event invites the community to engage with a powerful work that speaks both to history and the present, demonstrating the eternal relevance of art in addressing social issues. Tickets start at $20, accessible through the Dominion Energy Center.