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
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