FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 94 - ENGLISH

27 the use of fear and violence to impose ideas”. In the face of this, the victims clearly uphold four essential pillars: memory, for that oblivion does not erase injustice; dignity, so that no victim is hu- miliated or trivialised; justice, so that crimes are addressed by the rule of law; and truth, to preserve an accurate ac- count, without taking a neutral stance. “The victims of terrorism are the silent heroes of our democracy,” he emphasised. “Thanks to them, our society is more aware of its values and more resolute in defending them.” For this reason, he concluded, Spanish society has towards them “a moral duty that transcends gen- erations and ideologies”. “WAR REQUIEM ”: A WAR REQUIEM IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE As highlighted in the programme notes written by Manuel Ventero, managing director of the RTVE Or- chestra and Choir, the War Requiem premiered on 30 May 1962. Britten con- ceived this work as a universal memorial dedicated to the fallen in all wars, cre- ating a monumental score that brings together a large orchestra, a chamber ensemble, a mixed choir, a children’s choir and three soloists. The work combines two levels: • the liturgical text of the Req- uiem, performed by the main orchestra, the choir and the soprano; • and the poems by the soldier and poet Wilfred Owen, who died in the final hours of the First World War, performed by a tenor and baritone with a separate instrumental en- semble. EDUCATION, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY LIFE