Halifax’s Capella Regalis has announced a free concert of the Fauré Requiem as a lead into this year’s Remembrance Day. And while the piece was chosen by Capella Regalis leadership for its “sheer, accessible beauty,” organizers say the Requiem text is also particularly appropriate to the season of remembrance.
We’re particularly happy to offer this masterpiece for the community around the time of Remembrance Day, which is a commemoration that touches every person in one way or another. – Vanessa Halley
“Faure himself was by all accounts an agnostic. He said he wrote his Requiem purely ‘for the pleasure of it,'” Halley says. “What’s staggering is the poignancy with which he set these ancient religious texts, which are, in their essence, prayers for the departed, for ourselves, and for all humankind.”
The November 5 concert will feature the Capella Regalis Choirs, All Saints Cathedral Choir, organist Paul Halley, the Ensemble Regale and baritone Alexander Dobson.
“We’ve been wanting to give the community a free concert for a long time now, and not just any free concert, but one featuring a large cast of top-notch musicians and a beloved
masterwork in a world-class acoustic,” says director Nick Halley.
Made possible through a sponsorship from a local business, a private foundation, and donors, the free concert adds to the organization’s other endeavours, including free training programs for children, music outreach, an online music literacy course and broadcasts of its performances. But for its executive director, Vanessa Halley, this concert is “another step up.”
“When it comes to the performing arts, broad public participation is limited due to the cost of attending concerts and other performances,” says Halley. “Capella Regalis is doing all it can to break down barriers to the enjoyment of music and access to great performances for all. We’re particularly happy to offer this masterpiece for the community around the time of Remembrance Day, which is a commemoration that touches every person in one way or another.”
The free Fauré Requiem concert takes place at the Cathedral Church of All Saints (1330 Cathedral Ln, Halifax) on November 5. Although walk-ups are welcome, with some seats held for those who come to the door, organizers recommend reserving seats in advance. Visit capellaregalis.com for more information on how to book.