RACHMANINOV VESPERS and Lauridsen Lux aeterna

Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninov’s music for the Orthodox “All-Night Vigil” – often known in the West as the “Vespers” – is known as his finest unaccompanied choral work, one of the landmarks of the entire choral repertoire. The Vancouver Chamber Choir combines with the Vancouver Cantata Singers to create a suitable Slavic sonority. As a companion piece, the Pacifica Singers join us for a 21st-century masterpiece and Vancouver Chamber Choir favourite – Morten Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna” for choirs and orchestra, an intimate work of quiet serenity centred around a universal symbol of hope, reassurance and goodness. And as a little bonus, Gabriel Faure’s exquisite “Messe basse” in Jon Washburn’s orchestral version, featuring the vibrant young singers of the Vancouver Youth Choir. Tickets: $21-$55 Available Aug 14 at ticketmaster.ca 1-855-985-2787 Student rush tickets $15 at the door Performers: Vancouver Chamber Choir Pacifica Singers Vancouver Cantata Singers Vancouver Youth Choir Vancouver Chamber Orchestra Jon Washburn, conductor