Coming up in Philly Music: Choral Arts presents the timely 'Fauré’s Requiem'

Choral Arts Philadelphia will end its season with an online chamber version of one of the most popular works in the choral repertoire, Fauré’s Requiem. It’s a perfect choice for a time when many may be feeling ready to say farewell to virtual concerts and look forward to the rebirth of Philadelphia’s busy concert season. Fauré’s Requiem is about death, like all requiems, but it’s noted for its French lightness, gentleness, and overall peacefulness.

Choral Arts presents historically-informed concerts that often cast new light on familiar pieces. In this case, its director, Matthew Glandorf, will lead a 2012 chamber version of the Requiem arranged by choral conductor David Hill. The chamber version is scored for just eight voices and four instruments: violin, cello, harp, and organ. Fauré wrote the piece for the funeral of a friend and the chamber version captures some of the intimacy of the original performance.

As a final historical touch, the text will be sung in the version of Latin used in France in the 19th Century.

What, When, Where, and Accessibility

Choral Arts Philadelphia will premiere Fauré’s Requiem online on Friday, June 18 at 7pm. The performance will remain available on-demand for one week. Tickets are $15 and they’re available online.

Image Description: A group of nine performers dressed in all black and wearing masks of varying colors are singing. They are holding song books, with a podium in front of the conductor who stands on the far right of the image. It looks like they are in a church with stain-glassed windows and brick walls.