Composer Andrew Yee Presents Trans Requiem at Trinity Church
Andrew Yee’s Trans Requiem premiered in Trinity Church, featuring trans vocalists and a string orchestra, and was recorded for New Amsterdam Records.
In September, Trinity Church’s sanctuary filled with the sounds of a new work, Andrew Yee’s Trans Requiem, a secular-style mass that blends Latin liturgical texts with English passages written by the composer. The piece is scored for string orchestra, choir and two trans vocal soloists—soprano Breanna Sinclairé and tenor Katherine Goforth—while Yee played cello alongside the ensemble and supported conductor Melissa Attebury.
Trinity vicar Michael Bird explained that the Episcopal church welcomes the performance despite its unconventional subject. Yee, founder of the Attacca Quartet, has previously composed works such as Briefly Gorgeous and a co-composition with Caroline Shaw. The concert was recorded and issued by New Amsterdam Records, extending the work’s reach beyond the live audience.
Why it matters
The performance brings trans narratives into a historic religious space, highlighting cultural inclusion through classical music.
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