A Centennial Celebration of Fauré’s Choral Legacy

By ​Christina Sunstone, Alto, Magnolia Chorale

​On Saturday evening December 14th and Sunday afternoon December 15th, Magnolia Chorale will present Fauré en Fête, the perfect music for a winter concert. Accompanied by a chamber orchestra, we will showcase some of the most celebrated compositions of Gabriel Fauré, the great French choral composer who died one century ago this year.
 
The program includes Fauré’s famous Requiem—one of the most beloved choral works in the classical repertoire; a work that focuses on hope and redemption. We will also sing some of Fauré’s more whimsical works. “Les Djinns”, composed by Fauré in 1875 based on a poem by Victor Hugo, presents an account of a swarm of magical spirits. “Madrigal and “Pavane” are lighthearted treatments on the theme of haplessness in love. In addition, the Magnolia Chamber Singers will perform “Cantique de Jean Racine”, a piece composed when Fauré was only 19 years old.
 
Of course, you can’t have a concert in December without carols. The concert will open with a short selection of traditional French carols, in the spirit of honoring Fauré and his work.
 
The more I sing this music, the more I love it. I hope you will join us for a time of reflection, amusement, and artistry as our community sings out in honor of Fauré.
 
Doors open 20 minutes before the event starts and there will be an intermission with refreshments half-way through the performance. We will be collecting non-perishable food at both performances to donate to local food banks.
 
Tickets are available online and at the door.
 
(Timesaving tip: If you buy your tickets online ahead of time you’ll save wait time at the door.)

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