Duruflé Requiem, Britten A Cermony of Carols

Maurice Duruflé published the Requiem in three versions: for organ alone, for full orchestra, and a chamber version for organ and string quintet with harp, trumpets and timpani ad libitum – which we will be performing in this concert.  Duruflé’s Requiem is tender, omitting the chilling Dies Irae and focussing on forgiveness through the inclusion of a separate Pie Jesu and through constant repetition of the phrase 'Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine'.
 
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his death and with the approach of advent, the concert includes Benjamin Britten’s hugely popular A Ceremony of Carols. The piece was inspired by his discovery of The English Galaxy of Shorter Poems and displays his mastery of choral music.

In celebration of our Vice President Paul Patterson’s 80th year, we are performing his Nunc Dimittis, a wonderfully vibrant setting of this traditional canticle.

The concert ends with Johann Kuhnau’s glorious and joyful setting of the Magnificat.

All four pieces form the theme of ‘from darkness to light’,  moving in that direction from the Requiem through to the upbeat Magnificat.

• Conductor: Peter Asprey
• Soprano: Alexandra Kidgell
• Mezzo Soprano: Bethany Horak-Hallett 
• Tenor: James Micklethwaite
• Bass: Michael Ronan
• Harp: Cecily Beer
• Organ: Ben Horden
• Orchestra: Orpheus Sinfonia

Please contact [email protected] if you have any queries regarding booking tickets for this event.