Christ Church Cathedral is pleased to announce its All Souls’ Day observances for 2021: A Solemn Requiem Eucharist featuring Gabriel Fauré’s much loved Requiem in D Minor, op. 48.
November is a liminal season in the church’s calendar. It’s what the ancient Celts would refer to as a “thin time,” or a time when the veil between this world and the next is more gossamer than usual. With the turning of leaves and the ever-present chill in the air, we are reminded that death is all around us. November contains not only Remembrance Day, but also the feasts of All Saints and All Souls’, both closely linked to the pagan celebrations of Halloween (or “All Hallow’s Eve”). All Souls’ Day (November 2) is when we pause to once again remember those who have gone before us, and to consider our own mortality.
On Tuesday, November 2, at 7.00pm, the Choirs of Christ Church Cathedral will sing French composer Gabriel Fauré’s setting of the Requiem Mass (Mass for the Dead). Originally scored for woodwind, brass, strings, organ, and harp, the 30-voice choir will offer this unusually gentle setting in a version with organ accompaniment.
The cathedral offers many services throughout the course of the year with beautiful music and readings, but this one is special because the proceeds raised will go towards our Covid Catapult Campaign, a year-long, multi-pronged program to reduce our structural deficit. The Dean, The Very Reverend M. Ansley Tucker, explains, “We regularly take up a collection at all our services, and this offering is returned to the community through the good works that the cathedral does. This work requires the continued support of all who care about making a difference in the world, and we invite all who attend this service to join the cathedral through their generosity.”
The Cathedral Choirs, composed of skilled volunteer singers and choral scholars, have kept the tradition of weekly sung services throughout the pandemic (with reduced numbers). In this liturgical offering of the Fauré Requiem, they will be led by Director of Music, Donald Hunt with Mark McDonald at the organ.
French composer Gabriel Fauré’s setting of the Mass for the Dead, offered in its original liturgical context by the Cathedral Choirs and Organists. With the turning of leaves and the ever-present chill in the air, we are reminded that death is all around us. In deep respect for our own mortality and in remembrance of those who have gone before us, we gather to hear words and music that bring challenge and comfort.
Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 7.00 pm
In-person and online
christchurchcathedral.bc.ca/live
Online donation link:
givepoint.com/christchurchcathedral/general-donations