River City Voices presents Faurés Requiem

River City Voices presents Faurés Requiem, an inspirational concert offering an evening of luminous music that speaks to comfort, renewal, and quiet strength through the transcendent power of the human voice.

At the heart of the program is the timeless Requiem in D minor composed in 1890 by Gabriel Fauré, a masterpiece loved for its serenity and radiant hope. Unlike many dramatic settings of the Requiem Mass, Fauré’s work gently embraces themes of peace and eternal rest, culminating in the ethereal beauty of In Paradisum. His music does not dwell in darkness but instead carries listeners toward light.

Performed by River City Voices under the direction of Guest Conductor Dr Philip Eames, with Oscar Balle-Bowness, it features the exceptional vocals of soprano Ayako Ohtake and baritone Benjamin Caukwell. They are joined by internationally acclaimed organist Simon Nieminski, commanding the magnificent St Patrick’s Cathedral organ. Rich textures, expressive solos, and the warmth of blended voices promise an experience that resonates long after the final note fades.

This concert also features complementary choral works that echo the message of harmony and reflection, including Holy Dreaming by Australian composer Alice Chance, Geistliches Lied, Op. 30 by Johannes Brahms (sung in German); Ave verum corpus by Franz Liszt (sung in Latin); The Lord’s Prayer (ed. 2025) by Australian composer Joseph Romeo and Padla by First Nations composer Nicole Smede.

Bookings

Duration: approx. 70 minutes

Tickets: Adult $60, Concession $45, Young Classic (full-time student under 30) $30, Child (under 18) $18 (a booking fee applies)

Image credit Grant Leslie