We book-end our season with French composers and to be even more specific, French organists.  We begin with a Louis Vierne’s Solemn Mass and conclude with Faure and Duruflé’s Requiems.  Vierne was a highly accomplished organist.  He had several posts, the most famous being Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral. He was a romantic with bold harmonies and excursions into impressionistic inspired colorfulness.  Also, on this program, we will perform Erik Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil.  This is a 12-movement work which tells a story of life, love and loss.

 

Christmas is principally about looking back to those yesteryears and remembering and hearing those carols you grew up with and other seasonal memories.  Old, new, rearranged, twigged, reflective and humorous – The Wonder of Christmas. 

 

It’s hard to believe that Handel wrote his epic Messiah in only 21 days in 1741.  His musical journey is one that millions have grown to love and have become an annual tradition for so many.  Great tunes, great dance like rhythms and a resounding Hallelujah – Amen!

 

Over the week leading up to Good Friday, we will perform several concerts of the Faure and Duruflé requiems.  For choirs these works are the “go-to“ pieces for occasions such as Good Friday.  Written for organ and choir, these hauntingly devotional works, exquisitely combine tuneful melodies and rhythmic thunder. 

 

I hope something in this season will pique your interest.  I would love to see you.