THUNDER BAY -- Renowned organist Ian Sadler is coming to Thunder Bay to join with the Oras Chamber Choir in presenting Maurice Durufle’s Requiem and other sacred choral works for choir and organ. The concert is taking place on Saturday, May 12, 8:00 p.m., at St. Paul’s United Church, 349 Waverley St.
The splendid Casavant organ and the inspired setting of St. Paul’s both lend themselves perfectly for an evening of inspired choral music. In addition to Durufle’s Requiem, the choir and Sadler will present Herbert Howell’s Te Deum, Estonian Arvo Part’s Salve Regina and John Rutter’s The Lord Bless you and Keep You.
Maurice Durufle was a French composer and organist who composed for the organ, piano, chamber orchestra and chorus. Durufle adored the Latin Catholic Mass and was heartbroken after Vatican II when the mass was conducted in the vernacular. His Requiem uses various themes from the Gregorian Mass for the Dead with great emphasis on the images of rest and peace brought clearly to the fore by the organ.
Ian Sadler began his musical training as a boy chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, UK. He holds degrees in musicology and education, with organ diplomas from Trinity College of Music and The Royal College of Organists. Sadler moved to Canada in 1980 and is currently Organist of St. James’ Cathedral in Toronto. His recording discography is extensive, with 8 solo organ CDs and over 35 choral CD recordings on current release. For Sadler’s dedication to promoting the organ and Canadian music, both at home and abroad, The Royal Canadian College of Organists honoured Ian in 2007 with its highest award, ‘Fellowship of The Royal Canadian College of Organists’.
Oras Chamber Choir is led by music director Erik Johannes Riekko. Founded in 1946 by Finnish immigrants in Port Arthur, the choir has been presenting Finnish and Classical music continually for almost 71 years.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and are available from Oras members, at the door, at Calico’s Coffee House on Bay Street and at Rollason’s Flowers on Frederica Street.
