A special candlelight concert is set for Nov. 16, 2024, at St. George’s School Chapel. The event marks 100 years since composer Gabriel Fauré’s death and aims to raise money for international humanitarian aid, with a focus on war relief. The concert starts at 4 p.m.
Several local groups are joining forces for the performance. These include The Choir School of Newport County, St. George’s School Advanced Vocal Ensemble, and members of Trinity Church Choir Newport. They’ll be backed by an orchestra and guest soloists. The program features Fauré’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine, along with pieces by Mary Plumstead, Moses Hogan, and Nadia Boulanger.
Peter Berton has composed a new setting of “You who are passing by” for the concert. This text is carved in St. George’s Memorial Schoolhouse Hallway, honoring 15 St. George’s students and a teacher who died in World War I.
Thanks to an anonymous donor covering the concert costs, all voluntary admission donations will go directly to Episcopal Relief and Development’s humanitarian efforts.
The Choir School, established in 2014, uses intergenerational choral music to help develop character and a sense of service. Choristers are paid for their work and get chances to perform in the community and travel internationally.
Recent highlights for the choir include appearances at the Newport Folk Festival from 2021 to 2024 and yearly Concerts of Remembrance, which support humanitarian aid in the U.S. and abroad.
After the concert, there will be a reception in the Memorial Schoolhouse. For more details, visit www.choirschoolri.org.
