Summer Choral Festival Final Concert: Requiem, Op. 9

This rich program centers on Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, Op. 9, a masterwork that seamlessly fuses Gregorian chant with impressionist harmony, creating a serene, transcendent meditation on life and death. Rooted in ancient tradition yet rendered with 20th-century sensitivity, the Requiem invites listeners into a space of profound reflection and consolation.

Surrounding this central work are motets by Duruflé, Fauré, Saint-Saëns, de Lalande, and Gombert—a vivid tapestry of sacred choral music spanning the Renaissance to the early modern era. From Nicolas Gombert’s intricate polyphony to the refined elegance of Michel-Richard de Lalande, the romantic warmth of Gabriel Fauré and Camille Saint-Saëns, and the contemplative depth of Duruflé, each composer offers a unique voice of devotion and expression. Together, these works celebrate the enduring beauty and spiritual resonance of the sacred choral tradition.

Together, these works offer a luminous exploration of faith, memory, and beauty—where ancient chant, romantic sensitivity, and modern expressiveness meet in radiant harmony.

Donald Nally '87, conductor
Eric Plutz '89, organ
Levi Hernandez '99, baritone
Erin Holland Leightley '96, mezzo-soprano
Thomas Mesa, cello
Daniel Schwartz, percussion

This event is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.