FREEPORT — The Highland Community College Chamber Singers and Chamber Orchestra will perform Rutter: Requiem at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 18 at St. James Catholic Church, 428 N. Second St., Rockford, IL. This performance will feature Britney Kieselhorst, soprano; Scott Benson, cello; Dr. Randy Haldeman, conductor; and Nadia Wirchnianski, piano.
“I am profoundly moved and honored to conduct John Rutter’s serene and deeply meaningful Requiem with the Highland Chamber Singers and orchestra in the beautiful and historic setting of St. James Catholic Church. The solemnity and emotional depth of this masterwork perfectly resonates with the Christian observance of Good Friday, and the sanctuary at St. James could not be a more fitting or poignant venue,” said Haldeman.
John Rutter’s Requiem (1985) is a modern choral setting of the traditional Requiem text, blending Latin liturgical passages with English Psalm settings. Unlike the large-scale Requiems of composers like Brahms, Verdi or Berlioz, Rutter’s work is more intimate and meditative, written for choir, soprano soloist, and a chamber orchestra. The piece consists of seven movements, lasting approximately 40 minutes.
“It has been incredibly touching to witness our students embracing this performance as a chance to memorialize loved ones they have lost, making this experience deeply personal and transformative. I am immensely proud of the dedication shown by our students and grateful for the collaboration with our wonderful orchestra, Fr. Sarmiento, and the entire St. James Parish community. Together, we have created a special evening of remembrance and reflection that I know will be unforgettable for performers and audience alike.”
Under the direction of Haldeman, Highland’s Chamber Singers are an ensemble that focuses on traditional choral music of many different styles and from many different time periods. During the Fall, the Chamber travels on a Fall Choral Retreat to Stonehaven for a weekend in September, and of course the famous Highland Madrigal Dinner in December. Additionally, they take a Choir Tour in the Spring, as well as several other performances throughout the year.
