April 3 concert features local soloists and visiting organist
On Good Friday evening, April 3, at 7:30 p.m., the choir of St. Philip’s Church in the Highlands in Garrison will perform Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem in the church sanctuary.
The French organist and composer Maurice Duruflé (1902–1986) had a small output as a composer, with works for organ and choir motets predominately in his repertoire. His Requiem, however, is widely performed and often recorded. Premiered in 1947, its original version was scored for chorus, soloists and full orchestra.
The St. Philip’s Choir will use the scoring Duruflé prepared in 1948 for chorus and soloists, accompanied by organ. James Fitzwilliam, organist and cantor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kingston, will perform on the organ. Soloists will be members of the choir Julianne Heckert, mezzo soprano, and Michael McKee, baritone. Durward Entrekin, music director at St. Philip’s, will conduct.
The St. Philip’s Choir consists of 26 members drawn from the community who volunteer their time and talent. Every Sunday from September through June it performs an anthem as part of the worship service as well as special concerts keyed to major church events throughout the year. Its repertoire ranges from composers from the 16th into the 21st centuries.
The performance is open to the public and there is no admission charge.
St. Philip’s in the Highlands is located at 1101 Route 9D in Garrison, opposite the Garrison School, where parking will also be available.
