September 21, 2005
Requiem noteworthy concert
Area musicians perform Faure Requiem benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina victims
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Area musicians will blend beauty and charity Sunday, October 2, when the present the Faur‚ Requiem at the First Congregational Church.
Vocalists from around the community will sing this exceptional piece during this Katrina Benefit Concert. The singers will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra while Mel Larimer, director of music, emeritus, for the church will conduct the program.
"It's an extremely comforting and nurturing sort of requiem," said Larimer. "So many of the requiems tend to have the emphasis on hellfire and damnation, but this one is very calm and sedate, very worshipful."
"It's fairly short, only lasting 49 minutes, but it is a lovely thing and one that fits the mood for this particular occasion," he added.
Members of the church's Sanctuary Choir decided a week ago Sunday to host their third fundraising benefit since 2001. Previous program proceeds benefited victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the Asian tsunami last December.
Larimer and other volunteers immediately sent out letters inviting other vocalists from church choirs around the region to participate. The First Congregational Church choir maintains an extensive database of musicians who have sung or played with them before, not only for the benefits but during the major choral events presented every May.
Sanctuary Choir members will have a few rehearsals before October 2, but other musicians - both vocalists and instrumental - will attend the sole rehearsal that afternoon. After sharing a potluck dinner together, they will assemble to present the Faur‚.
This ambitious schedule works for two reasons: the piece is a classic and most participants will have performed it at least once, if not multiple times, before. The second reason for the instant success is Larimer, said Carolyn Collins, who will play the violin during the program.
"Mel is just a real master at getting these type of events together," she said. "He has that rare combination of personality, reputation and ability to bring these forces together. All he has to do is ask people to participate and you wouldn't believe how eager they are to respond."
"They can't do enough for him, he's very beloved," Collins added.
Dave and Nancy Moyes of Suttons Bay have been members of the Sanctuary Choir for four years. Both have sung the Faur‚ before and are eager to do so again, especially when it will help so many needy people.
Noting that the piece was showcased during a May choral program a few years ago and the couple is eager to sing the melodic and flowing music again. Dave Moyes said participants would easily master the necessary Latin lyrics and upper range vocal techniques.
"It can be done, [Mel] will have a dedicated and quality group and we will do a fine job," Moyes said. "It's definitely a great idea to do something good for people but do it in a context where we are enjoying ourselves, truly doing what we enjoy to do."
The Faur‚ Requiem will be presented on Sunday, October 2, at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road. A free will offering will be accepted and all proceeds will benefit the victims of the hurricane Katrina. For more information, call the church at 947-6698.