The Virginia Consort’s 35th season continues with a Mid-Season Masterworks concert on March 9 at 3:30 p.m. at Old Cabell Hall. Under the direction of Deke Polifka, the concert features two famous French pieces for choir and orchestra: Francis Poulenc’s Gloria (sung by The Virginia Consort Festival Chorus with full orchestra and soprano soloist) and Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane(performed by The Festival Chorus, Youth Chorale, and orchestra). 

Poulenc’s six-movement Gloria (1959) uses traditional Latin texts from the mass and finds the French composer in a playful mood. Poulenc said of his own work, “I had in mind those frescoes by Gozzoli where the angels are sticking out their tongues, and also those Benedictine monks I spotted one day playing soccer.” It was premiered in Boston in 1961 and has become the most performed French piece after Ravel’s Bolero. Despite being joyful, raucous, and even cheeky, the work is sincere and beautiful, showcasing Poulenc’s rhythmic inventiveness and lush harmonic style. The choir and orchestra will be joined by soprano soloist Angeli Ferrette, who appeared with The Consort two seasons ago as the soloist for Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass.

Fauré’s Pavane is one of the composer’s few works for orchestra and choir. The title pays homage to an ancient court dance, and the recognizable melodies are gentle and elegant. It is perhaps Fauré’s most celebrated work, apart from his Requiem.

Tickets: Adults $35, Students $25
Purchase your tickets through the UVA Box Office, Greenberry's, Barracks Road, New Dominion Bookstore, or at the door.