Fauré Requiem to be performed in Glendale

by Anne French

Gabriel Fauré

One of the greatest masterpieces of choral literature, Gabriel Fauré's Requiem, will be the centerpiece of Sunday afternoon's concert at Glendale First United Methodist Church. The work is at once glorious, yet quietly emotional and spiritually introspective, making it an ideal musical expression for the lenten season. Performed will be the 1893 version of the piece, written for choir, chamber orchestra and organ, the latter performed by Ladd Thomas.

Conducting will be Nancy Sulahian, who has directed the church's Cathedral Choir since 1996. A 20-year veteran of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Ms. Sulahian is an active concert soloist who also directs the 1000-voice choir at Disneyland's annual Christmas Candlelight Procession. She says of the Fauré work, "...it seems he conceived the piece as a prayerful personal expression of faith....It feels like the right choice for this concert."

The ambitious program also includes Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11 and Ave Verum, Op. 65, No.1, three motets by Charles Villiard Stanford, and two motets of Anton Bruckner.

The Sunday, March 25 concert commences at 4:00 p.m. at Glendale's First United Methodist Church, 134 N. Kenwood St. Admission is free. For more information, call 818-243-2105 or log onto www.glendalemethodist.org.