The Southwestern College choral department announces the performance of John Rutter’s “Requiem” for its spring concert on April 14, and invites community members to join the choir for this memorable event.

Community rehearsals will take place in Messenger Recital Hall in the Darbeth Fine Arts Center on the Southwestern campus.  They will begin on Sunday, March 3, and will take place from 3-5 p.m. each Sunday (with the exception of Easter, March 31) until the performance.

According to Southwestern College director of choirs David Gardner, “Requiem” by John Rutter is a modern classic.

“In the 27 years since it was first performed, this work has taken its place as a standard in the repertoire of school, church, and community choirs alike,” Gardner says.  “Both singers and audiences delight in its beautiful melodies and deep passion.”
Not a strict liturgical requiem, Rutter’s setting combines texts from the Latin Requiem Mass, the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, and the book of Psalms. 

“Although there is some text in Latin, the bulk of the singing is in English, and that gives this setting a wonderful sense of immediacy to English-speaking audiences,” Gardner says.

Interested singers should contact Rose Hanna in the performing arts office at Southwestern College at (620) 229-6272 to indicate their interest and to reserve a score.  There is no charge to sing in the choir, but each singer must have their own score, which will be available for purchase for $9 at the first rehearsal.  Audio rehearsal aids will also be available to help singers work on their parts outside of the regular rehearsals.

Singers with questions may contact Gardner at david.gardner@sckans.edu.

The Sunday, April 14, performance will be held in the Richardson Performing Arts Center in the Christy Administration building and there will be no admission charge to attend.