Valley Concert Chorale Presents 'Songs of Serenity' April 13 April 13, 2013

The Valley Concert Chorale will perform the highlight concert of its 49th season featuring the music of two of the choral world's most renowned and creative contemporary composers Maurice Durufle and Morten Lauridsen. Las Positas College Chamber Choir will join the Chorale. Performance details are as follows: "Songs of Serenity"; Saturday, April 13, 2013, 7:30 pm; First Presbyterian Church, 2020 Fifth Street, Livermore.

"We will perform the Durufle Requiem and Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, two of the most deeply moving contemporary choral pieces ever written," says VCC Artistic Director John Emory Bush. Las Positas College Chamber Choir, under the direction of Robert Lappa will perform with VCC. "These two pieces are favorites of choral singers and audiences all over the world, and whether you are a fan of choral music or not, after experiencing these two incredible pieces, you will be."

Durufle's Requiem is known as one of the most beautiful among choral masterpieces, says Bush. "Based on Gregorian chants and colored to influence the era of Impressionism, this piece is similar to the tones and melodic lines of Debussy. Think of your favorite Impressionistic painting and that's what this music is."

Since its premier in 1997, Lux Aeterna has been performed throughout the world and is considered Lauridsen's centerpiece of choral compositions. Lauridsen's choral masterpiece twice received Grammy nominations with the orchestral recordings by the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Sinfonia Orchestra, and by the London-based ensemble Polyphony with the Britten Sinfonia.

"Though the lyrics are that of a traditional Requiem Mass, the melodies are contemporary with beautifully complex yet luscious chords that create a deeply moving experience for the audience," explains Bush. "This piece, coupled with the Durufle Requiem will transport listeners to another world."

Official Website: http://www.valleyconcertchorale.org/