On Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 11 at 4 p.m. Tapestry Singers and St. Cecilia Chamber Choir will share the concert stage at Damariscotta Baptist Church. The choirs will perform two of the best-loved works of English composer, John Rutter, “Requiem” and “Gloria.” The choirs will be accompanied by full instrumentation and Sean Fleming on the organ.

Because Tapestry Singers has been committed to programming the works of living composers, it was only logical to devote a concert to John Rutter who is considered '"the most successful and well-known composer of choral music in recent British history.” “We’re very happy that Linda Blanchard and the St. Cecilia Chamber Singers were interested in combining for this concert,” said Beth Preston, director of Tapestry Singers. “It’s been quite an undertaking to put the whole thing together, but we know the community will love this program.”

The “Requiem” is deeply personal for John Rutter, written in memory of his father. The work combines Latin and English texts. The hauntingly beautiful solos, “Pie Jesu” and “Lux Aeterna,” will be sung by Tapestry sopranos Jenny Brown of Topsham, Ava Nery of Newcastle, Kayla Cruz of Bremen, and Violet Holbrook, of Bristol. Texts of the somber “Psalm 130” and the serenely confident “Psalm 23” are set with important solo parts played by guest artists, Benjamin Noyes, cello and Kristen Fox, oboe.

“Gloria” is one of Rutter's most ambitious concert works. The work is scored for brass, percussion, and organ. “Midcoast Brass Quintet was available, so we booked them and added a few more players,” said Preston. “This piece has a punchy, syncopated opening, a soft and reverential middle section, and a final movement that is sure to bring the audience to their feet.”

Advance purchase of tickets is highly recommended. tapestrysingersmaine.org/tickets. The Damariscotta Baptist Church is at 4 Bristol Road in Damariscotta.