The Sooke Philharmonic and Chorus will perform a collection of evocative choral and orchestral works by Gabriel Fauré and Ralph Vaughan Williams in their upcoming concert.
Choral Reverie is performed on May 5 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sooke Community Hall.
Under the baton of conductors Yariv Aloni and Nicholas Fairbank, the program includes Fauré’s Pavane, Vaughan Williams’ Toward the Unknown Region, and Fauré’s Requiem. Aloni will lead the first two pieces, with Fairbank conducting the Requiem.
Pavane, known for its lyrical portrayal of a bygone dance scene, captures a dialogue of flirtation and playful accusations among dancers. Meanwhile, Toward the Unknown Region, inspired by Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, reflects on the soul’s quest for enlightenment and peace, composed in 1906.
The highlight, Fauré’s Requiem in D minor, Opus 48, contrasts the dramatic Requiems of Mozart and Verdi with a more introspective tone that echoes the solemnity of death. Local soprano Nancy Washeim will enchant the audience with the Pie Jesu, accompanied by Victoria-based baritone player Alex Chen.
Tickets for Choral Reverie are on sale now and can be purchased online at sookephil.ca/tickets or Pharmasave.
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