University Chorus, with members of the SLU String Orchestra, will present “Rest in Peace,” a music program for the twin religious holidays in November, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Concerts are planned for Friday, November 11, at Pickens Hall in Heuvelton, N.Y., at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 12, at Gunnison Memorial Chapel on the St. Lawrence campus at 8 p.m.
The featured work on the program will be the beloved Requiem of Gabriel Fauré, performed in the composer’s original version for chamber orchestra. Soloists drawn from the chorus include sopranos Rebecca MacDougall, Laura Gilbert, and tenor Don Schuessler. Organist Michelle Martin-Atwood and UC accompanist Gerri McGrath will perform. The interim director of the University Chorus, Jason Bishop, will be directing.
Also on the program will be folksinger/songwriter Elyza Gilkyson’s “Requiem” in a lovely choral arrangement by Craig Hella-Johnson. Hornist Morgan Hastings will be featured in Jeffrey Ames’ “In Remembrance.” Works of Ralph Vaughan Williams (“The Souls of the Righteous” and the hymn “For All the Saints”) and Charles Villiers Stanford (the hymn “When in our music”) rounds out the program.
In contrast to many settings of the Requiem Mass that emphasize judgment and terror, Fauré’s focuses on light and salvation. There is a palpable gentleness to the whole work. Its simplicity, transparency, and utter honesty belie a deep substantiality, a vision of divine love touching humanity right where it is. Whatever your faith is, religious or not, Fauré’s music brings solace and peace.
The events are free, open to the public, and in-person. Their concert in Gunnison Memorial Chapel will be livestreamed.