PINSUTI Chamber Choir whose members come from across Skipton and Wharfedale will present a programme of reflective choral music for its November concert.

The programme includes Maurice Duruflé's 'Requiem' and Hubert Parry's 'Songs of Farewell'. Requiem is a setting of the Latin Requiem Mass for solo baritone, mezzo-soprano, mixed choir, organ and cello. A beautiful and moving work, developed around plainsong themes, is widely thought to be influenced by Fauré's 'Requiem', although this was denied by the composer.

The choir will be joined for the performance by organist Graham Thorpe from Bradford Cathedral, and cellist Sarah Evans from Skipton.

Hubert Parry's 'Songs of Farewell', for unaccompanied mixed or double choir, were composed during the First World War. As a collection they present different reflections on the transience of life, some are resigned, some offer hope, and the music varies to match the moods, from sombre to uplifting. Parry's choice of texts reflects his personal experiences towards the end of his life, and the losses suffered by his pupils at the Royal College of Music, who were being killed in action during the war.

The six songs were written as a farewell, with texts drawn from various sources, including poetry by John Donne, Thomas Campion and Henry Vaughan, as well as sacred texts from Psalm 39.

The concert will take place on Saturday, November 9 at 7.30pm at St Mary's Church, Burley-in-Wharfedale. Tickets at £12 are available on the door, Under 18s - free entry. Or from Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/durufle-requiem-tickets-1012411168057