The MSU Choral Union and University Chorale will present Duruflé’s “Requiem” to the Lansing community at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 East Grand River Avenue, Lansing, Michigan, as part of “An Evening in Paris: Liturgical Music of 20th-century France.”
The MSU Choral Union, a large, mixed chorus of more than 100 voices, is made up of community members with a love for major choral works. The University Chorale is a 55-member ensemble of the best graduate and upper-level undergraduate singers in the College of Music. David Rayl, director of choral programs and associate dean for graduate studies and research, directs both groups.
According to composer Maurice Duruflé, the melodies of his “Requiem” are “based exclusively on themes from the Gregorian funeral mass.” Known as a self-effacing perfectionist, Duruflé is said to have completed only 14 works. Of these, the “Requiem” is recognized as a masterpiece and has been recorded many times.
In addition to the “Requiem,” the choirs will perform works by two other French composers – Marcel Dupré and Gabriel Fauré. More info can be found here.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, and can be purchased through the College of Music box office (517) 353-5340, online at www.music.msu.edu, or at the door. Admission is free for students with ID and anyone younger than 18.