Church of the Ascension and St. Agnes
Ascension & St. Agnes
Festival Chorus
Come sing the Duruflé Requiem
Maurice Duruflé (1902–1986) · Requiem, Op. 9
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · 7:30 p.m.
Join the inaugural Festival Chorus
Experienced choral singers are invited to join the Choir of Ascension & St. Agnes in forming a 40–50 voice Festival Chorus for Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, presented in concert with chamber orchestra on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The Festival Chorus is a new musical initiative bringing together singers from the parish and from across the Washington-area choral community to perform major choral works at Ascension & St. Agnes.
Our inaugural project is presented in connection with the season of All Souls, a time of remembrance closely connected to the musical world of Duruflé’s Requiem.
Duruflé, Remembrance & All Souls
Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem is one of the great choral works of the twentieth century. Much of its melodic language grows directly from Gregorian chant and from centuries of music associated with remembrance of the departed.
Performing the work at this time of year, in the resonant space of Ascension & St. Agnes, gives us a special opportunity to experience the piece in an atmosphere closely connected to the musical tradition from which it emerged.
At its heart, this music speaks to mortality, memory, grief, consolation, and peace. Singers who wish may carry into the performance the memory of parents, grandparents, partners, friends, teachers, or anyone they have loved and lost.
Beautiful music can give us a place to remember — and there is extraordinary power in making it together.
Festival Chorus Schedule
Choral Rehearsal
Sunday, September 27
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Choral Rehearsal
Sunday, October 4
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Choral Rehearsal
Sunday, October 11
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Choral Rehearsal
Sunday, October 25
1:30–4:30 p.m.
Orchestra / Dress Rehearsal
Friday, October 30
6:00–9:30 p.m.
Concert Performance
Tuesday, November 3
6:00 p.m. singer call
7:30–9:00 p.m. concert
Chamber Orchestra
Duruflé’s Requiem will be performed with chamber orchestra in the resonant acoustic of Ascension & St. Agnes.
Professional Support
Choral rehearsals will be supported by professional section leaders and collaborative piano.
Learning Resources
Scores and learning materials will be provided so singers can prepare independently between rehearsals.
Come Sing With Us
Registration is open to experienced choral singers. A $20 participation fee helps support the project. Financial assistance is available, and cost should never prevent anyone from participating.
Register for the Festival Chorus
Another Opportunity to Sing
Come Sing Choral Evensong
Before Festival Chorus rehearsals begin, singers from the wider community are also invited to join the Ascension & St. Agnes choir for a one-day Come Sing Choral Evensong on Sunday, September 13.
This is a completely separate and optional opportunity. Participation in Evensong is not required in order to sing with the Festival Chorus.
3:00–4:30 p.m.
— Rehearsal
4:30–5:15 p.m. — Dinner break; dinner provided
5:30–6:30 p.m. — Choral Evensong
4:30–5:15 p.m. — Dinner break; dinner provided
5:30–6:30 p.m. — Choral Evensong
You may indicate your interest in the Come Sing Evensong on the Festival Chorus registration form.
Register / Express InterestChurch of the Ascension and St. Agnes
1215 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005