Rev. 3/21/05 LENTEN VESPERS Fauré REQUIEM Join us on Friday evening at 7:30 for FIrst Presbyterian's annual Good Friday Vespers, with Chancel Choir and Orchestra. This year, we are featuring Gabriel Fauré's REQUIEM. Other Requiems may be more familiar to you (Mozart's theme was woven throughout the movie Amadeus), but those who have heard or sung French composer Gabriel Fauré's rendering of the Last Judgment are taken by it. Yes, it deals with a most serious issue, with drama and pleading for mercy, but it ends on a most comforting note - a lullabye even, as God's eternal mercy is evoked by angelic voices. The final movement, In Paradisum leaves you with a positive message of hope, when the turmoil and struggles of mortal existence come to a close. Indeed, God will "wipe away each tear", and eternal light shall shine upon us. Yes, there will be a harp in the orchestra, but what is most fascinating to this reporter is the organ accompaniment. Composer Gabriel Fauré definitely favored his instrument, and while Chancel Choir eyes will be on conductor Victor Klimash, our ears will be on organist Nancy Frank's accompaniment. Soprano Deborah Rocco, Alto Fiona Lewis, and Bass Allan Kirk are also sure to inspire you, as we all await the Resurrection.