Often paired in concert, the Requiems of French composers Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) and Maurice Duruflé (1902–1986) differ greatly from the traditional Requiem Mass. Historically, composers like Berlioz and Verdi created huge pieces filled with ominous sound to suppress doubt and confirm faith. In contrast, in 1893 Fauré chose a more serene approach for his Requiem Op. 48. The composer noted, "It has been said, my Requiem does not express the fear of death, and someone has called it a lullaby of death. But it is thus that I see death: as a happy deliverance, an aspiration toward happiness above, rather than as a painful experience."

Following in his countryman’s footsteps decades later, Maurice Duruflé composed his Requiem Op. 9. Combining plainsong melodies with lush impressionist harmonies, Duruflé’s Requiem conveys an inner peace and hopeful promise of eternal rest for the dead. It is a work that has been described as "moving, cleansing and rejuvenating."

Conducted by Noel Edison, Artistic Director of the 180-member choir, this two-part concert will include performances by Canadian soloists Jennie Such (soprano) and James Westman (baritone). Jennifer Enns Modolo, a member of the Elora Festival Singers will perform the alto solo in Duruflé’s Requiem Op. 9.