A choral trifecta—Pemi Choral joins with two PSU choirs for April concerts

PLYMOUTH — The Pemigewasset Choral Society is joining with the Plymouth State University Chorale and their Chamber Singers to present its spring concert featuring composer Dan Forrest’s choral work, Requiem for the Living. Dan Forrest choral compositions have become well established in the choral repertoire in the U.S. and around the world. Requiem for the Living, his first major choral work, written in 2013, has quickly become a choral and orchestra favorite for ensembles around the world.

“This is our first collaboration with the Pemigewasset Choral Society,” said Harmony Markey, PSU director of choral studies. “This choral collaboration has many benefits, one of them being the chance for the students to see the lifelong effort that people make to keep singing in their lives, and the lifelong joy it brings them. Joining with Pemi Choral also allows us to sing with an orchestra of the caliber that will be accompanying the singers.”

Pemi Choral Music Director Will Gunn and Harmony Markey have known each other through their association as music educators. Gunn is also the director of music at Plymouth Regional High School where he conducts the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Chamber Singers. This is the first opportunity for each of them to conduct a major Dan Forrest choral work. The collaboration of the three choral groups provides a fuller choral sound that is enhanced by the rich musical accompaniment of an orchestra. Pemi Choral funded the 15-piece chamber orchestra through its very generous donors and membership who value the opportunity to share an extraordinary musical event with the community. The chorus is also accompanied by collaborative pianist Laura Belanger.

“This is a hauntingly beautiful piece,” said Gunn. “Forrest titled it Requiem for the Living because he is making a distinction from traditional requiems which originated as Masses for the dead. The five movements of this requiem end in a majestic, energetic and hopeful section that is full of life.”

There are two performances: Thursday, April 21, 7 p.m. at the Silver Center, Plymouth State University, and Friday, April 22, 7 p.m. Inter-Lakes High School Auditorium, Meredith. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door for the PSU concert, and at the door for the Inter- Lakes High School concert.

For more information, visit pemichoral.org.