London Concert Choir – LANGLAIS: MESSE SOLENNELLE AND DURUFLE: REQUIEM – 7:45pm
LANGLAIS: MESSE SOLENNELLE AND DURUFLE: REQUIEM
Conductor: Mark Forkgen
Soloists: Ben Collyer, Ben Michaels, Jan Trott
London Concert Choir begins its 64th Season with choral works by two French organist-composers and contemporaries whose lives spanned most of the 20th century but who were steeped in the romantic organ tradition of the previous century.
While Maurice Duruflé was born near Rouen in Normandy and Jean Langlais in a small village in Brittany, both studied at the Paris Conservatoire and spent most of their lives in Paris. Both composers were inspired by plainsong and incorporated it into their works.
Langlais’ Messe Solennelle dates from 1951 and is unquestionably his finest piece of church music. The organ part was written for two instruments: the larger organ features angular melodies and chromatic harmonies in a dramatic dialogue with the choir, and the smaller generally doubles the vocal lines. However, the work may be played on just one organ, as in this performance. The final ‘Dona nobis Pacem’ is a fervent plea for peace.
The concert will continue with three pieces for cello and piano by the late-Romantic French master Gabriel Fauré, including an arrangement of the song ‘Après un rêve’.
Duruflé was a pupil of Fauré and shared his love of the shapes and colour of plainsong. He completed the Requiem, probably the most famous of his few compositions, in 1947. It was originally commissioned as an organ suite, but on the death of his father Duruflé chose to complete it as a Requiem Mass, based entirely on the Gregorian themes of the Mass for the Dead. He wrote that the Requiem “is not an ethereal work, but tends to translate human feelings before their terrifying, unexplainable or consoling destiny. It represents the idea of peace, of faith, and of hope”.
Upcoming Events
Now May We Singen – 7.30pm
A gala concert of Cecilia McDowall’s music to celebrate her 75th birthday
Brought together by their love, partnership and patronage of one the world’s most celebrated contemporary composers, this very special concert will celebrate the breadth and brilliance of Cecilia McDowall in her 75th birthday year. With performances of commissions, a unique collaboration between the choirs and rare chances to hear hidden gems from McDowall’s choral world, this performance promises to enrich and enlighten.
London Oriana Choir : Dominic Ellis-Peckham
Vox Anima Chamber Choir : James Meaders
City Chamber Choir : Stephen Jones
Addison Singers Chamber Choir : Matthew Thomas Morgan
Matthew Hough, piano
Fenella Humphreys, violin
Elder High School Glee Club – 3pm – FREE CONCERT
Celebrate the songs you love! Broadway showstoppers, American folk traditions, & pop favourites — performed in rich four-part men's harmony.
Elder High School is an all-boys high school in Cincinnati, Ohio, and its acclaimed Elder Glee Club has toured across the United States and much of Europe since 1976. For this concert tour, the ensemble is led by Co-Directors Marco Colant and Justin Kohler.
From the bright lights of Broadway to beloved folk tunes from the US to Africa, and chart-topping pop — experience it all in powerful four-part male harmony! Audiences will enjoy a vibrant mix of classics, including timeless hits by The Temptations, the joyful groove of Stevie Wonder, and the sun-soaked harmonies of The Beach Boys. The program also features moving spirituals such as Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel, Climbin’ Up the Mountain, Poor Man Lazarus, and We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace, adding depth and soul to the performance. Blending rich choral tradition with the energy of pop and soul favourites, the Elder School Glee Club delivers an uplifting musical experience that celebrates harmony, nostalgia, and the joy of live performance.
SSCS – Messa di Gloria – Giacomo Puccini – 6pm
SSCS is delighted to invite you to our Summer Concert 2026 on Sunday 5 July at 6pm, directed by Oliver Lallemant. The programme is Giacomo Puccini's Messa di Gloria and tickets are available here or on the door. You can download the flyer here. SSCS is always looking for even more members to be a part of our wonderfully fun and engaging choir. There's no audition; we welcome everyone. Email Olly for details admin@sloanesquarechoralsociety.com