The Chattanooga Bach Choir & Orchestra, David Long artistic director and conductor, performs a Masterworks concert celebrating famed British composer John Rutter’s 80th birthday, as well as the 40th anniversary of his “Requiem“ (1985). The program also includes French composer Gabriel Fauré’s “Requiem” and a selection of Rutter’s sacred choral works. The concert takes place on Tuesday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Chattanooga (401 Gateway Avenue) in Chattanooga. Seating is $55 Reserved; $45 General; $5 Students with ID. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door the night of the concert.
https://www.chattanoogabachchoir.org/cbc/40th-anniversary-season-concert/
John Rutter writes, “The ‘Requiem’ was written in 1985 and dedicated to the memory of my father, who had died the previous year. In writing it, I was influenced and inspired by the example of Fauré’s ‘Requiem’. I doubt whether any specific musical resemblances can be traced, but I am sure that this work crystallized my thoughts about the kind of Requiem I wanted to write: intimate rather than grandiose, contemplative and lyric rather than dramatic, and ultimately moving towards light rather than darkness – the lux aeterna of the closing text.” Gabriel Faure’s ‘Requiem’ will be performed in an edition prepared by John Rutter based on the 1893 version written for chamber orchestra and organ. In addition, the Bach Choir will perform a selection of Rutter’s sacred choral works: “Be Thou my Vision,” “A Ukrainian Prayer,” “Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace,” and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” Joining the Bach Choir and Orchestra as featured soloists are: Cynthia Johnson and Janelle Wagoner, sopranos; Andrew Owen, bass; Sheri Peck, concertmaster; and John Wigal, organ.
David Long comments, “To open our 2025-26 Masterworks series, The Bach Choir performs two Requiems that hold a special place in the choral repertoire: Gabriel Fauré’s exquisite 19th century masterpiece and John Rutter’s lush 20th setting with selections from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer added to the Latin text. These two works, separated by nearly a century but with a kindred spirit, turn away from fire-and-brimstone visions of death toward something far more human: consolation. Hearing the two side by side, we sense the continuity of compassion in sacred music – a lineage that treats mourning not as a punishment, but as the tender work of remembering. Together they invite listeners to rest, reflect, and recognize that beauty itself is a form of faith. We are pleased to honor John Rutter’s 80th birthday and the 40th Anniversary of his “Requiem” with this concert.”
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