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A musical setting of John Rutter’s Requiem, an internationally acclaimed masterwork for chorus and orchestra, will be highlighted by Dr. Susan Williams, UA associate professor of voice, as soprano soloist. The program will be held at 6 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa on All Saints’ Day, Friday, Nov. 1, 2019. The service is dedicated to all the saints and to those whom we love but see no longer.

“We are fortunate to have such talented musicians in our community as Dr. Susan Williams who has performed in opera and oratorio throughout the U.S. as well as internationally,” announced Doff Procter, music director at Christ Church.

“Accompanying the adult choir will be a 6-piece chamber orchestra consisting of  Dr. Diane Schulz on flute; Sky Kim on oboe; Michael Strange on timpani; Nathan Rearick on glockenspiel; Kathryn Hoppe-McQueen on harp and Sarah Vander Wal on cello, along with our newly appointed organist, Dr. Steven Taranto,” Procter continued.

The musical presentation of the Requiem will be incorporated into the traditional service for the repose of the souls of the dead, based on the Latin mass and the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.  Set to music are five parts of the mass—Requiem aeternam (Grant them eternal rest), Pie Jesu (Blessed Jesus), Sanctus (Holy, holy, holy), Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) and Lux aeterna (Light eternal)—along with two Psalms, Out of the Deep, Psalm 130 and The Lord is my Shepherd, Psalm 23.

The composer, John Rutter, (b. 1945) was educated at Cambridge and has long been associated with the Kings College music program. He was founder of the Cambridge Singers and has composed many choral works during his long career. According to Rutter, “The Requiem was written in 1985 and dedicated to the memory of my father, who had died the previous year.”

The Christ Church adult choir is made up of parishioners and University of Alabama faculty and students. Music director is Doff Procter, and organist is Dr. Steven Taranto. The St. Cecilia Singers include students in grades 3-7.

The Reverend David Meginniss is rector of Christ Church and the Reverend  Dr. Catherine Collier is associate rector. Christ Episcopal Church is at 605 Lurleen Wallace Blvd. N, between 6th and 7th Streets in Tuscaloosa. The service is free and open to the public. A nursery will be provided. For information call 205-758-4252.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, October 16 issue of the Demopolis Times.)