During turbulent times like these, many people try to forget their worries by going to a scary movie that bludgeons the eyes and blasts the ears with depictions of barbaric behavior and shocking, sudden violence. Personally, I’m pretty full up on that sort of thing in real life.

My temporary diversion is to step back and get the big-picture perspective through an uplifting artistic experience — one that will unite me with generations past and present who have been consoled and refreshed by the same classic work of art, music, or literature.

I’m especially inclined to seek such inspiration in light of the Martin Luther King holiday honoring the civil rights leader who spoke so eloquently of his hope to be remembered as a “drum major for peace” shortly before he was gunned down. I’ve been rereading the text of his stirring 1968 sermon in Atlanta to offset the sadness I feel as I follow news stories in the wake of the recent shooting of Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

A timely opportunity presents itself to us to quietly contemplate our losses, consider the meaning of our lives, and renew our spirits in the form of Verdi’s Requiem, the magnificent requiem mass composition which the Houston Symphony Orchestra will present in concert Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Besides our accomplished HSO musicians, the performances will feature the talented Houston Symphony Chorus; guest conductor Thomas Dausgaard, the highly praised chief conductor of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra/DR ; and four world-class soloists.

I’m planning on paying special attention to the conductor, as Dausgaard seems to be the New Big Thing and hot topic of conversation in orchestral circles after he and his ensembles received rave reviews from critics and audiences attending last summer’s BBC Proms concerts. But my focus on this winning Dane is bound to have a lot of competition from each of the soloists, as they have all won acclaim for their performances in various opera roles, and they all have interesting back stories behind their beautiful voices.

Singing the soprano role will be Angela Meade; mezzo-soprano, Margaret Lattimore; tenor, Garrett Sorenson, a familiar face from past Houston Grand Opera performances; and bass, Morris Robinson, who tells the intriguing story of how a former two-time All-American offensive lineman from The Citadel turned opera star in a video on his website.

All things considered, this promises to be an exceptional performance of a spectacular piece of music that should prove particularly enriching to those who choose to hear its timely message.