Durufle Requiem

ARTISTS A. Barron Breland, conductor Mark Kurtz, organ and collaborative pianist Jamie Luedtke, mezzo-soprano Jesse Wohlman, baritone Résonance with First United Methodist Chancel Choir Mark Kurtz, director Marie Meyers, collaborative pianist PROGRAM MARCEL DUPRE: Prelude and Fugue in B Major MARK KURTZ: Praise to God from A Symphony of Psalms MAURICE DURUFLE: Requiem, Op. 9 COPLAND: The Promise of Living ABOUT THE PROGRAM We open the evening by unveiling the full brilliance of the recently refurbished Quimby organ with Marcel Dupré’s Prelude and Fugue in B Major. A masterwork of French virtuosity, this piece was written by Duruflé’s own teacher and serves as the ultimate test for the instrument’s 3,599 pipes. From its toccata-like shimmering chords to its complex, dancing fugue, the Dupré showcases the organ’s symphonic warmth and the brilliant, copper Trompette-en-chamade. Unlike more dramatic settings of the Latin mass, Duruflé emphasizes peace and solace. It is a profound and deeply moving work that offers a contemplative interpretation of the tradition, creating an atmosphere that offers comfort rather than terror. In this intimate "organ version" with the voices of Résonance, blending into a single, breathing entity, perfectly matched to the "symphonic warmth" of the refurbished Quimby organ. To conclude our journey, we return to a work that has become a cornerstone of our season – Aaron Copland’s quintessential American anthem, 'The Promise of Living.' Its return offers a deeper resonance; this celebratory finale transforms spiritual peace into a visceral, communal vision of shared labor and hope—a stirring reminder that the 'blessings of harvest' are found in our love for one another.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3501817-0

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3501817-2

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