Two leading Richmond church musicians, Jonathan Der and Alex Gowans, are featured soloists in the upcoming season-opening concert from Richmond Orchestra and Chorus.

The concert presents music by French composers Gabriel Faure and Maurice Ravel – “warm and appealing Romantic music”, says Chorus conductor Brigid Coult.

Violinist Jonathan Der, Director of Music at St Anne’s Anglican Church in Steveston, is the soloist in the virtuoso “Tzigane” by Ravel – a piece written in flamboyant gypsy style. Der is also the Associate Conductor of the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra. He has appeared as soloist in concerts in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, New York, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

The Orchestra, led by conductor James Malmberg, also offers “Pavane” settings by Faure and Ravel, and “Le Tombeau de Couperin” by Ravel, written in homage to friends of the composer killed during the First World War.

The second half of the program presents the magnificent “Requiem” by Faure, in which Orchestra and Chorus are directed by Brigid Coult, and joined by baritone soloist Alex Gowans. Gowans is the Director of Music at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, and has sung with Vancouver Opera Chorus, as well as with many other leading choirs in the Lower Mainland.

The soprano soloist in the Requiem is Chorus member Amy Koop.

“This is one of the great classics of the late-Romantic period” says Chorus conductor Coult. “It’s full of wonderful melodies and gentle drama”

The concert is to be held at Richmond Pentecostal Church (9300 Westminster Highway) on Sunday 25 October at 3pm. For tickets and further information contact 604-276-2747 or www.roca.ca