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For our 2025-26 season, we are delighted to be returning to the American Cathedral in Paris to celebrate a Baroque Christmas, followed swiftly by our traditional Messiah Sing-Along.
In Spring 2026, we will explore amazing works by Nordic composers, ending the season with Poulenc's Stabat Mater and works by Boulanger and Brahms.
Take a look at our Season at a Glance 2025-2026 brochure
PCS-Brochure-2025-26-Web_EN-final.pdfDuruflé: Requiem
Sunday 14 September, 4.30pm
Notre-Dame de Versailles
Composed in 1947, Duruflé’s Requiem is scored for solo baritone, mezzo-soprano, mixed choir, and organ. At the heart of the Requiem's musical language is plainsong, specifically the medieval melodies from the Mass for the Dead which Duruflé knew so well. CLICK TO READ MORE
Duruflé’s stated goal was to retain the fluid, elastic approach to rhythm that is characteristic of chant, with its constantly fluctuating groupings of twos and threes. The melodies are organically expanded and surrounded with impressionistic harmonies that at times seem to suggest “liturgical Debussy.”
Duruflé wrote, “I have above all sought to enter into the particular style of Gregorian melodies and have been compelled to reconcile… the rhythm… with the requirements of modern [notation].”
Duruflé’s work will be preceded by “Take him, earth, for cherishing” by British composer Herbert Howells after the death of US President John F. Kennedy. The piece takes similar themes, linking life, death and hope.
A Baroque Christmas
Thursday 4 December 2025, 8pm
Saturday 6 December 2025, 6pm
The American Cathedral in Paris, Paris 8e
A joyful celebration of Christmas, a time of coming together and giving thanks, this concert reveals the story of the nativity through successive pieces.
Scheidt, Gabrieli, Schütz and Bach are among the composers whose music tells the story. The final selections will be sung by choir members surrounding the cathedral nave, after which the audience will be invited to join in traditional Christmas carol singing.
Messiah Sing-Along 2025
Sunday 14 December 2025, 3pm
Église Saint-Pierre-de-Chaillot, Paris 8e
Open rehearsal Monday 8 December, 7.30pm
The American Cathedral in Paris, Paris 8e
Come sing Part One and the Hallelujah Chorus of Handel’s Messiah with us!
CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS
What is a “sing-along”?
You, the public (supported by the members of the Paris Choral Society seated amongst you), get to sing if you want. Maybe you already can sing the whole of the Messiah, or maybe you can sing only bits and pieces of it, or maybe none of it. Who cares? Your pleasure will come from participating. Or if you wish, simply listening. Why not? Just imagine the thrill of being among 400 singers!
Each year, the Musical Director of the PCS along with the Cathedral Organist, Andrew Dewar, lead professional soloists and you, the public, for the mutual enjoyment of all.
We also invite you to our open rehearsal for the Singalong on Monday 2 December - please join us at the American Cathedral in Paris at 7.30pm to 9.30pm, no booking required!
Northern Sounds
Thursday 12 March 2026, 8pm
Saturday 14 March 2026, 6pm
The American Cathedral in Paris, Paris 8e
This concert is dedicated to the music of Northern
European composers: Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, Arvo Pärt, and Ola Gjeilo are but some of the musicians whose works are included
in the program.
PCS pays homage to composers whose diversity
reflects not only multiple soundscapes and songs,
but the souls and lives of resilient peoples.
Poulenc: Stabat Mater
Thursday 11 June 2026, 8pm
Saturday 13 June 2026, 6pm
The American Cathedral in Paris, Paris 8e
The STABAT MATER is POULENC’s first choral work with orchestra. The work was created in memory of a friend, the painter Christian Bérard. The composer chose the Stabat Mater instead of the Requiem, because the heart-rending text seemed suited to dedicate the soul of his friend to the holy Virgin of Rocamadour, to whom Poulenc attributed his return to Catholicism.
A soprano soloist, mixed choir and orchestra are the forces of this splendid work, which in colouring, variety and intensity is exceptional. Brahms’s Schicksalslied and works by Lili Boulanger will complete the program.
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