Eternal Light - Kingston Choral Society

Music from the French School, including the Fauré
Requiem, Cantique de Jean Racine & Pavane, as well
as music from Saint-Saëns & Durufle.
Guest Artist Christopher Dawes accompanies the
choir & will perform works by Alain & Bedard.
Featuring Bruce Kelly, baritone
Kathryn McConnell, soprano

The Requiem, Op. 48, first performed in 1888, was not composed to the memory of a specific person but, in Fauré’s words, “for the pleasure of it.” It has been described as “a lullaby of death” because of its predominantly gentle tone.  One of the most loved requiems, we are delighted to return to this wonderful work.
 

The enchanting Cantique de Jean Racine is the earliest of Fauré’s choral works.  Composed while still a student it won the premier prix in composition.

The Pavane in F-sharp minor was written in 1887.  It was originally a piano piece, but is better known in Fauré’s version for orchestra and optional chorus.  First performed in Paris in 1888 it has become one of the composer’s most popular works.

CHRISTOPHER DAWES, numbered among Canada’s leading church musicians, concert organists and choral accompanists, is a freelance musician and consultant based at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music.  Following a 20-year career serving churches and cathedrals of the Anglican Church of Canada in 2013 he commenced a new chapter in his varied musical story as Principal Organist to Timothy Eaton Memorial Church in Toronto, its Choir School and Radio Ministry.