Free Performance of John Rutter's “Requiem” to be Held at Old Lyme Church

OLD LYME, CT, – The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme (FCCOL) announced today that it would observe Maundy Thursday by hosting a choral and music performance of John Rutter’s “Requiem” for the entire community at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 13.

Admission to the concert is free and open to the public, according to a release.

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Rutter’s “Requiem” is widely considered as one of the most popular musical compositions of the last 30 years. The piece is a musical setting of parts of the Latin Requiem – with added Psalms and Biblical verses in English – scored for soprano, mixed choir and orchestra.

The seven-movement masterpiece includes a setting of “Out of the Deep” (from Psalm 130); an anthem of “The Lord is My Shepherd” (from Psalm 23); and a soprano solo, “Pie Jesu.”

Rutter composed “Requiem” in 1985 in memory of his father. It was first performed in its entirety in October 1985 at the Lovers’ Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, with Rutter directing.

In the six months immediately following its publication, the piece was heard in more than 500 orchestral performances in the U.S. alone.

The community concert will be performed by the FCCOL Senior Chorus, directed by Director of Music Simon Holt. Joining the choir will be local musicians from in and around Old Lyme, including Sarah Callinan, soprano soloist; Stephan Tiezan, concert master; and Kathy Schiano, cello soloist.

Immediately following the concert, FCCOL will hold an informal communion in the Fellowship Hall.

“Music is a vital element of the communal life of our church," FCCOL Senior Minister Steve Jungkeit said in a release. "We believe the divine is discovered, as often as not, through art, poetry and music – and that everyone’s spiritual lives can be enriched through these epiphanies. Rutter’s ‘Requiem’ is an excellent way for us to share this inspiring piece of music with the community and begin our observance of our Easter weekend services. All are welcome.”

The church’s Easter weekend schedule also includes:

• Apr 14, Good Friday – Walk for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries @ 9:45 a.m.
• Apr 16, Easter Sunrise Service – At Griswold Point @ 6 a.m.
• Apr 16, Easter Sunday – Worship services at 9 and 11 a.m.

Click for more information on FCCOL and John Rutter.

Image via Shutterstock.