A concert of remembrance, hope and joy

Join Ealing Choral Society for an evening of beautiful choral music tracing a journey from darkness to light — from the tender contemplation of death and forgiveness to the radiant joy of celebration.

At the heart of the programme is Maurice Duruflé’s deeply moving Requiem. Duruflé published the work in three versions: for organ alone; full orchestra; and the one we will perform in November, a more intimate chamber version for organ and strings, with harp, trumpets and timpani ad libitum.

Rather than dwelling on judgement and fear, Duruflé’s Requiem is tender and contemplative. He omits the chilling Dies Irae, instead placing forgiveness and eternal rest at his Requiem’s centre. The repeated prayer, Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine— “Grant them eternal rest, O Lord” — gives the work its quiet, consoling power.

As Advent approaches, we turn towards the light with Benjamin Britten’s much-loved A Ceremony of Carols. Written for treble voices and harp, this sparkling work was inspired by Britten’s discovery of The English Galaxy of Shorter Poems and demonstrates his extraordinary imagination and mastery of choral writing. This performance also marks the 50th anniversary of Britten’s death.

We continue our journey with Paul Patterson’s Nunc Dimittis, performed in celebration of our Vice President’s 80th year. Vibrant, expressive and full of life, Patterson’s setting brings fresh energy to this ancient canticle of thanksgiving and release.

Finally, the darkness has given way entirely to light with Johann Kuhnau’s glorious Magnificat. Joyful, exuberant and celebratory, it brings the evening to a radiant close.

Four composers. Four distinctive works. One unfolding journey.

From remembrance and consolation, through hope and anticipation, to celebration and joy, this concert invites you to experience the extraordinary emotional range and beauty of the choral tradition.

Come and share this journey with us — from darkness to light.