Chamber Orchestra and University Choir performing Fauré 'Requiem' on Nov. 14

University Park, Pa. – Penn State School of Music Chamber Orchestra and University Choir will present Gabriel Fauré’s beautiful Requiem on Monday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 pm in the Recital Hall, Music Building I. Tickets should be purchased in advance and are $12.50 for adults and $4.50 for students. While requiems are closely related to the Christian faith as a lament for the dead, Gabriel Fauré shared no particular religious beliefs. He was described by his own son as a skeptic. His melodic Requiem focuses on the restful and fear-free nature of death. It was played at the composer’s own funeral in 1924. Penn State faculty members Rachel Copeland, soprano, and Ted Christopher, baritone, will be the soloists. The Chamber Orchestra conducted by Professor Gerardo Edelstein will be joined by the University Choir directed by Professor Bryan Nichols. Also on the program are Penn State faculty members Patricia Weitzel, double bass, and Max Zorin, violin, performing Gran Duo Concertante by Giovanni Bottesini. Dr. Weitzel joined the faculty in 2022 and this will be her debut with the orchestra. Professor Zorin is known for his artistry as a soloist throughout the world. The orchestra will open the concert with Debussy’s Prelude Afternoon of a Faun. The University Choir will also present a few choral selections. The concert will be livestreamed via the School of Music multimedia channel.