The nearly 100-strong orchestra and chorus of the Bermuda Philharmonic Society plus visiting artists are joining forces to present a special fund-raising concert entitled `Bermuda Remembers' on Saturday with part proceeds going to the Bermuda-American Relief Fund.

The original date was to have been earlier this month, but due to the tragedies of September 11 in the US, it was decided to change the programme and location.

The new and carefully chosen programme, directed by Dr. Gary Burgess (pictured), will have as its main work Brahms' German Requiem, with guest soloists baritone Brian Zunner and soprano Latonia Moore.

"It will be performed in memory of those who perished in the September 11 incidents," Dr. Burgess said.

"The reason for choosing the German Requiem is that it is all-encompassing, and can be related to by all faiths."

On this occasion, it will be sung in English, in contrast to the Latin versions of the Requiem Mass for the Dead, and Dr. Burgess describes it as "a very beautiful work".

The programme will begin with both the British and American national anthems, and be followed by Bernstein's West Side Story overture, then the German Requiem, and finally the stirring `Battle Hymn of the Republic'.

Baritone Mr. Zunner is a popular favourite with local audiences, having sung here many times with both the Philharmonic and in Marjorie Pettit's concerts.

He balances twin careers as a professional singer and a dentist, and hails from Buffalo, New York, where he recently completed performances of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

He also studies voice with Dr. Burgess.

While Texas-born soprano Ms Moore is making her Bermuda debut, in the United States she is an up and coming star who has won many competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera Competition.

She has a large list of roles to her credit and recently sang Mimi in Puccini's opera `La Boheme' in Philadelphia.

Saturday's concert will begin at 8 p.m. in the Anglican Cathedral on Church Street.

Tickets ($25) are available all this week at the Visitors' Service Bureau box office from noon to 2 p.m., and they will also be sold at the door.