Augustana Oratorio Society to perform ‘Requiem, Op. 9’

The Augustana Oratorio Society, Augustana Choir, Augustana Choral Artists and Augustana Symphony Orchestra are joining together to perform Maurice Duruflé’s “Requiem, Op. 9” and other choral works by French, English and Brazilian composers. The performance is May 7 at 3 p.m. in Centennial Hall, 3703 7th Ave., Rock Island. 

This setting of the Latin “Requiem” is for a solo voice, mixed choir and organ, or for an orchestra with an organ. Conductors for this event are Jon Hurty and Ernesto Estigarribia. 

“We are excited to feature all of these ensembles in various combinations of this diverse literature,” said Hurty. “It will be a great opportunity for our community to experience a wide variety of music performed by our talented student musicians.”

The Augustana Oratorio Society includes community members, the Augustana Choir and other Augustana students. The ensemble was formed in 1880 by Augustana theology Professor Olof Olsson and was originally called the Handel Oratorio Society. It consisted of students and choirs in Moline, Rock Island and Andover, Ill. Their first concert in 1881 was part of the celebration of Holy Week.

The society has performed Handel’s "Messiah" and other oratorios almost every year. The ensemble is celebrated for exploring the riches of choral-orchestral literature. 

Tickets are $15 for the general public and $12 for senior citizens. The performance is free for students of all ages. Tickets and information can be found at augustana.edu/tickets or by calling 309-794-7306.