Deeply Moving, Intensely Spiritual: Washington National Cathedral’s Palm Sunday Concert

 

Join Cathedral orchestra, choir, and soloist for an unforgettable Palm Sunday, April 2, 4 p.m.

The Neo-Gothic splendor of the massive and celebrated Washington National Cathedral is the ideal setting for a once-in-a-lifetime orchestral musical performance celebrating Palm Sunday.

This season, the Cathedral begins Holy Week on Sunday, April 2, with reverence and beauty expressed through the music of 20th century composers Francis Poulenc and Maurice Duruflé.

The 4 p.m. concert features the talents of soprano Laura Choi Stuart and the musicians of the Washington National Cathedral Choir and the Washington National Cathedral Orchestra, conducted by Michael McCarthy.

The performance promises to be deeply moving and a soulful Palm Sunday awakening as the music reflects the spiritual expression of the composers. The concert program includes Poulenc’s “Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence” and “Sept répons des ténèbres,” and Duruflé’s “Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens” and “Requiem,” all performed by the Cathedral Choir, and renowed soloist Stuart. 

As two of Paris’ greatest 20th century composers, Poulenc and Duruflé pioneered new forms of musical expression within the Catholic church. 

Duruflé’s “Requiem” encourages deep reflection on the human experience and the ultimate mystery of death. Many consider it to be Duruflé’s greatest achievement. A work conceived for a lofty Gothic space, Washington National Cathedral offers a unique perspective of the “Requiem,” not unlike being in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.

Each movement of Poulenc’s “Sept répons des ténèbres” recalls a different scene from Holy Week Scripture, including Jesus in Gethsemane, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, the crucifixion of Jesus, his death, and burial. The piece inspires reflection prior to the celebratory Easter Sunday.

Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased here. The Cathedral is at 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW.