The Sunshine Coast Summer Choir wound up its season Tuesday, Aug. 30, with a concert at St. Hilda's Church in Sechelt with a rendition of the Requiem of French, 19th century composer Gabriel Fauré.
"It was an opportunity for singers across the Coast to sing something they may have not had a chance to learn before," said choir director Sara Douglas. "It was also a social connection - a time for having fun."
About 40 vocalists stepped up weekly to practise. Many sing with other choirs during the winter, but some had never been part of a choir before. Douglas was joined by musician colleague David Millard, who led a Vancouver summer choir years ago, and he opened the concert on the pipe organ.
History records that Fauré wrote his requiem for fun - which seems unusual for what is essentially a mass for the dead. Tired of gloomy music and grief, Fauré sought to compose music that would look at paradise as the gift we are given for a full life.
The choice of music would be a challenge for some, especially as it is sung in Latin.
"It's an accessible piece for a choir with a range of abilities," Douglas said.
On Tuesday evening they came together before a full house to sing the joyful and uplifting music.
Summer Choir is over for the season, but Douglas promises its return next year.
