Ealing Choral Society opens its 2026-27 season with a luminous concert celebrating the season of remembrance. The concert, on Saturday 14 November 2026, From Darkness to Light features 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.

We are delighted to partner with Orpheus Sinfonia for this concert, and a magnificent lineup of soloists including Alexandra Kidgell, Eve McGrath, Bethany Horak-Hallett, James Micklethwaite, Michael Ronan and Cecily Beer with Ben Horden at the organ. ECS Director of Music Peter Asprey conducts.

For tickets and more information, please visit the Ticketsource box office.