John Rutter in Concert! The beautiful Requiem will be performed by Limburgs oratoriumkoor, Kamerkoor Concertato en Symfonieorkest Concertato. The work will be performed at these beautiful locations in Thorn and Maastricht, and other (top) works by Rutter will also be performed, including pieces from the Magnificat. 

Steven van Kempen (conductor) collaborates internationally with John Rutter and several other composers, performing many of his works in various European countries. The composer turned 80 this year and is celebrating his anniversary as a composer of internationally renowned choral music. His compositions in this case include works for choir and orchestra. 

The English composer, organist and choir conductor John Rutter (1945) is best known for his church music. His most frequently performed works include Gloria (1974), Requiem (1985) and Magnificat (1990). He also wrote Anthems (church music for choirs) and Carols (Christmas music). It is not surprising that Rutter's music is popular among choirs. Among other things, Rutter is the founder of the Cambridge Singers chamber choir, which became famous under his direction. It is noteworthy that the composer himself is not religious.

In his works, Rutter combines elements from different genres of music, from Gregorian chant to jazz, from classical to pop. Sometimes a song sounds like a ballad or resembles film music. His style is therefore often described as eclectic.

Rutter's Requiem, composed in 1985, was written for mixed choir and orchestra. It features solos for cello, oboe and soprano.  The work was not composed in the style of a grand requiem such as those by Berlioz or Verdi, but rather in the style of a more subdued version such as those by Fauré or Duruflé.

‘Lord, give them (their souls) eternal rest.’ This is how the Mass dedicated to the dead begins in Catholic worship. Rutter's Requiem also begins with this text. He based his requiem on the Roman Catholic Mass. However, some parts have been omitted and his own work has been added. The parts are: Requiem aeternam – Out of the deep – Pie Jesu – Sanctus – Agnus Dei – The Lord is my shepherd – Lux aeterna.