The centrepiece of this concert is Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem for choir, organ, mezzo-soprano and baritone. Composed during the Second World War, it was inspired by Duruflé’s fascination with Gregorian chant and is considered the 20th-century French composer’s masterpiece. Vocal soloists will be Geoffrey Sirett, baritone, and Tessa Fackelmann, mezzo-soprano.

Also on the program will be the highly regarded Litanies à la vierge noire. Another French composer of the 20th century, Francis Poulenc wrote this startlingly austere, often ferocious choral setting for organ and choir as an expression of his struggle toward a religious faith. These French classics will be accompanied by several works by Canadian composers, including Katerina Gimon, Stephanie Martin, Kathleen Allan, and Palestinian-Jordanian Canadian Shireen Abu Khader. Matthew Larkin will be the organist.

Following the incredible success of our Fall 2023 program, we are excited to present the second iteration of “Women Composers Through Space and Time”! Join us for an enchanting evening filled with the captivating works of Ruth Watson Henderson, Sarah Quartel, Ysaÿe Barnwell, Andrea Ramsey, Tracy Wong, Florence Price and Clara Schumann. This program highlights the extraordinary talent of female composers from diverse cultures and eras, honouring their vital contributions to the world of choral music.

Bringing this program to life alongside Hypatia’s Voice and Artistic Director Christopher Ducasse, will be an amazing cast of musicians, including Sonya Matoussova on cello, Kim-Farris Manning on piano, and Nate Myers on percussion. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the brilliance and creativity of women in music!