thirdArts: A Recent Performance of Fauré’s Requiem

Peter DuBois & James Kealey

Choirs across the world have been unable to sing together for the last year, presenting yet another loss for musicians and music-lovers. In part to help fill that void, we offered a virtual community sing event on Palm Sunday, March 28. We presented Gabriel Fauré’s sublime ‘Requiem’ live from the Sanctuary, with an octet of singers, featuring our Choral Scholars and other local professionals, Grace Browning (harp), Shannon Nance (violin), James Kealey (organ), and Peter DuBois (director). The idea was to enable people from the local area to sing along at home, with a score, while watching our live YouTube stream. Thanks to the expertise of our wonderful Tech Director Clive Daunton, participants were able to see Peter conduct, the instrumentalists play, and the singers perform, all at the same time. 

Over 100 singers from the Rochester area, and as far away as South Carolina and Florida, joined us for this event, with many gathering on Zoom afterwards to meet the performers. It was a truly poignant experience for all during these challenging times. We are extremely grateful for financial support from the Janet S. and David B. Reed Fund, which allowed for the extraordinary lineup of musicians. 

This performance was offered in memory of all those who have died from Covid-19 and from violence over the last 14 months.