The Bach Choir – Au Printemps – Duruflé Requiem – 7:30pm
Programme
Repertoire:
Duruflé - Requiem
Fauré - Cantique de Jean Racine
Duruflé - Quatre motets
N Boulanger - Cantique
Duruflé - Choral variations on 'Veni Creator'
Langlais - Messe solennelle
Director:
David Hill
Conductor:
David Hill
Performers:
Organ - Philip Scriven
Mezzo-soprano - Katherine Gregory
Au Printemps brings audiences closer than ever to The Bach Choir in the gorgeous setting of Holy Trinity Sloane Square. The second concert in the Into Spring series curates a tranquil and lush programme of French works, while the choir and organ orchestration showcases the range and intimacy of a choir usually known for performing with the world’s best orchestras.
The ancient world of Gregorian melodies is combined with a harmonic setting typical of 20th Century France in Duruflé’s Requiem. The Requiem blends different styles to achieve an overall sense of peace not usually found in other Requiem settings Duruflé’s Quatre motets further build on this modernisation of ancient traditions.
Cantique de Jean Racine was composed by Fauré at the age of twenty when he was attending Paris’ École Niedermeyer. It sets text from French playwright Jean Racine alongside rich, lush choral writing, and will be recognised by some audiences from its appearance in the motion picture Babe. On the other side of La Seine, Faure’s harmony student N Boulanger composed her own Cantique a little over 40 years later – a concise, evocative and disarmingly simple work.
Internationally renowned organist Philip Scriven, described as ‘a joy to listen to’ by Gramophone, is given a spotlight in Duruflé’s Choral varié sur le thème du ‘Veni Creator’. Langlais’ Messe solennelle also features – a piece so considered that the organist thought about it for 12 years before composing it in 13 days.
As the fog of winter clears, Au Printemps brings The Bach Choir’s subtle and delicate side into focus.
Upcoming Events
Duruflé Requiem – Twickenham Choral – 7pm
Join Twickenham Choral for a moving performance of Maurice Duruflé's Requiem in the beautiful surroundings of Holy Trinity Sloane Square. Composed in 1947, this deeply spiritual work blends Gregorian chant with rich harmonies to create an atmosphere of serenity and hope. Unlike more dramatic settings of the Requiem Mass, Duruflé's version offers a message of peace and consolation.
The concert also includes a performance of Rob Fenton's Ave Verum and music from cellist Oliver Simpson.
Twickenham Choral is conducted by Howard Ionascu. The choir will be joined by acclaimed soloists Cathy Bell mezzo soprano and Alexander Hopkins baritone, and accompanied by organist Andrew Lumsden.
Interstellar Plus – Roger Sayer – 7pm
Interstellar Organist Roger Sayer returns to Holy Trinity to play the original Hans Zimmer soundtrack, as well as music from other Sci-Fi films.
Read MoreSloane Square Choral Society – Christmas Concert 2025 – 6pm
Sloane Square Choral Society
Now available! Christmas Concert 2025 tickets at this link (and also at the door on the night. Book Here
SSCS is delighted to invite you to our Christmas Concert 2025 on Sunday 7 December at 6pm, directed by Oliver Lallemant. The programme is Edward Elgar's The Music Makers. 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 admin@sloanesquarechoralsociety.com for details – or just turn up at any of our rehearsals which are on Mondays 7pm–8.30 between 15 September and 1 December (except 27 October).