Halifax Chamber Choir Performing at Halifax Minster this November

Ever had one of those days where you just want to stick your headphones on and listen to something epic? Something that feels like the soundtrack to a massive film? Well, you might want to clear your calendar. The Halifax Chamber Choir is putting on a concert that promises a night of seriously powerful music. On Saturday, 15th November, they're taking over the incredible Halifax Minster to perform two massive pieces: the Requiem by Maurice Duruflé and the famous Coronation Mass by none other than Mozart. It’s a proper clash of titans, musically speaking, and it’s all happening right here in Halifax.

A tale of two musical worlds

So, on one hand, you have Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. If classical music had rock stars, he'd be one of them. He was composing when he was basically a toddler, and his music is often super bright, bouncy, and full of life. The piece being performed, his Coronation Mass, is a perfect example of that classic, grand Viennese style. It’s the kind of music you’d expect to hear in a palace ballroom. It’s got that feel-good, festive vibe down to a tee.

Then, on the other hand, there’s Maurice Duruflé. He was writing music much more recently, finishing his Requiem in 1947. His style is completely different. Think less of a grand party and more of a quiet, beautiful, and thoughtful moment. His music is often described as being like a watercolour painting – full of soft edges and rich colours, a bit like his fellow Frenchman, Debussy. It’s a total mood-setter. This concert gives you both ends of the spectrum, from the celebratory sounds of Mozart to the spiritual depth of the Requiem.

What on earth is a Requiem?

Right, let's get the technical bit out of the way, because it's actually pretty cool. A 'Requiem' is basically a mass for the dead. But before you think it’s all doom and gloom, it’s not. Composers use it as a chance to write some of their most beautiful and moving music. And Duruflé's Requiem is a standout.

What makes it so special is its foundation in something ancient called Gregorian chant. Imagine the sound of monks chanting in an old monastery – that’s the starting point. Duruflé took these old-school melodies, which use a unique set of notes known as Gregorian modality, and wrapped them in lush, modern harmonies. It's as if an idea from an external world landed in his mental inbox, and he just had to write it down. The result is music that feels both ancient and brand new at the same time. It’s deeply spiritual stuff, but you don’t have to be religious to feel its power. It's one of those pieces that gets right under your skin in the best possible way, a true gem of the UK choral scene.

All rise for the Coronation Mass

Now for something completely different. Mozart’s piece is called the ‘Coronation Mass’ for a reason. It's radiant, it's festive, and it’s just plain glorious. While the Requiem is introspective, this is music that’s loud and proud. It’s packed with the sort of graceful melodies that only Mozart could write. The name itself brings to mind kings, queens, and massive cathedrals, and the music absolutely lives up to it.

The sound is pure Viennese style – elegant, structured, and full of energy. You can almost picture the powdered wigs and fancy outfits. The choir gets to really let loose, and the organ parts are just as spectacular. It's the perfect contrast to the Duruflé piece. One moment you're floating in a sea of calm, the next you're being hit with a wave of pure musical joy. Getting to hear both the Requiem and the Coronation Mass in one night is a brilliant musical journey.

The team bringing the sound to life

Of course, this amazing music needs amazing people to perform it. The Halifax Chamber Choir are the stars of the show, a group of talented singers who bring these complex pieces to life. Leading them is their Director, Aljosa Skorja, whose job it is to shape the sound and make sure every note hits just right. Think of a director like a film director, but for sound. They control the pace, the emotion, and the overall story the music tells.

And you can't forget the organist, Dr David Baker. At a venue like Halifax Minster, the organ is like a whole other character in the story. It can whisper, or it can roar. Dr David Baker will be at the controls, providing the powerful foundation for the entire performance. The combination of the choir, the director, and the organist in such a historic space is what makes a live concert truly special.

How to be there

Fancy it? Here’s what you need to know. The all-important concert date is Saturday, 15th November, and it all kicks off at 7.30pm. The venue is the stunning Halifax Minster, which is an experience in itself. So, how do you get tickets? It’s pretty straightforward. You can get them at the door for £12.00 each. But, if you’re a bit more organised, you can get a great deal online in advance: two tickets for £20.00.