Cantores in Ecclesia Present Fauré’s Requiem

The Archdiocese invites the faithful to experience the Church’s rich musical heritage as Portland’s Cantores in Ecclesia performs Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem on November 8 at 4:00 PM at St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The adult and youth choirs will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra under the direction of Blake Applegate.

Founded locally in 1983, Cantores is dedicated to preserving Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony in Catholic worship. The ensemble presents sacred concerts in Portland, has performed internationally, and won three gold medals at the International Palestrina Competition in Rome, taking gold in every category.

Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) was a leading French Catholic composer, church organist and director of the Paris Conservatory. His Requiem grew out of his work as choirmaster at Paris’s Church of the Madeleine, where its original version was first performed during a funeral in 1888. Setting Latin texts from the Mass for the Dead and funeral rites, including the Pie Jesu and In Paradisum, it has become one of the most beloved works in the sacred choral repertoire.

Known for its emphasis on eternal rest and consolation, the Requiem is especially fitting for this concert, dedicated to the memory of Cantores’ friends and supporters who have died during the choir’s nearly 45-year history.

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