Duruflé Requiem: Oxford International Song Festival

Bethan Langford, Jonathan Eyers, Choir of Merton College, Oxford & Benjamin Nicholas

It has become something of a tradition to hear a choral Requiem on the closing day of the OIS Festival, as the Feast of All Souls approaches. The Choir of Merton College, one of Oxford’s finest choirs, joins Oxford International Song Festival for a performance of the famous Requiem by Maurice Duruflé in its original version for choir, soloists and organ. The work, written between 1941 and 1947, owes much to its famous predecessor by Gabriel Fauré. Its wonderfully lyrical writing, incorporating elements of Gregorian chant, has long made it a popular choral favourite. The Choir of Merton College also performs the beautiful ‘Ave Maris Stella’ by OISF Associate Composer, Emily Hazrati.