Previous concerts

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].”

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.

Finland

Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016) Psalm of Invocation

Norway

Knut Nystedt (1915-2014) Peace, I leave with you

Edvard Grieg Ved Rondane

Ola Gjeilo Agnus Dei

Estonia

Arvo Pärt Which was the Son of… & Salve Regina

Latvia

Eriks Ešenvalds The Earthly Rose

Finland

Jean Sibelius Finlandia

Sweden

Otto Olsson Ave Maris Stella

Anders Öhrwall Polska från Rättvik

Elfrida Andrée Svensk massa ”O Guds Lamm"

Denmark

Carl Nielsen Fynsk Forår, Som en græsgrøn plet

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.

We are thrilled to be singing this concert in the church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, where Duruflé was titular organist when the Requiem was composed.

Humans have always been drawn to music. Earth soundscapes were our first sources of inspiration. Yet these natural soundscapes are being depleted: the music and languages of tribal and minority communities are vanishing, as well as whole species of insects, birds, whales and wolves, our singing brothers and sisters.

We have endangered, often now eradicated, our musical sources. Hence this concert to pay homage to our precious planet and all who inhabit it.

• C. V. Stanford: The Blue Bird

• Benjamin Britten: The Evening Primrose

• Ešenvalds: Stars

• Hubert Parry: At the round earth’s imagined corners

• Jonathan Dove: Who killed Cock Robin?

• Benjamin Britten: Advance Democracy

• Alec Roth: Earthrise Parts 1 + 3 (1: Man’s Drive to explore and exploit; 3: A plea)

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!