DURUFLÉ - REQUIEM
REQUIEM AND ENIGMA VARIATIONS IN STORE AT MAJOR CATHEDRAL CONCERT FROM TOP COUNTY CHOIR
A choral and orchestral spectacular is coming to Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 22 November, featuring the glorious sound of 140 voices and a symphony orchestra – with favourite works by composers Elgar, Duruflé, Haydn and Boulanger all on the bill.
The season-opening evening concert is being presented by the region’s leading large classical choir, Worcester Festival Choral Society.
It includes the ethereal Requiem by French composer Maurice Duruflé, widely considered one of the finest works in the choral repertoire. Written in 1947 it blends the silken tones of Gregorian chant with the rich harmonies of French impressionistic music, creating a luscious musical experience that stirs the soul.
There’s also an unmissable orchestral treat to savour – Sir Edward Elgar’s beloved Enigma Variations, including the deeply emotional ‘Nimrod’. Completing this musical feast are two more choral gems: Haydn’s dramatic motet, Insanae et Vanae Curae, and Boulanger’s mystical Vieille Prière Bouddhique (Old Buddhist Prayer.
Choral Society chairman Susan White said: “There’s no other experience like hearing a large, top quality choir sing such incredible classical music in a setting like Worcester Cathedral. Our Society has been bringing the ‘choral greats’ to Worcester for 164 years – in fact, in the 1890s we were often conducted by Elgar himself – so this will be an especially exciting concert to open our 2025-26 season. It’s one not to be missed!”
Appearing alongside Worcester Festival Choral Society are acclaimed soloists Alexis Hutchinson (alto) and Charne Rochford (tenor), as well as the Meridian Sinfonia orchestra. Worcester Cathedral’s director of music Samuel Hudson conducts.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.wfcs.online or TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (local call rate).
