John Rutter's Requiem is a widely performed choral work for soprano solo, mixed choir, and orchestra, blending Latin and English texts in a meditative exploration of life and death. Composed by Sir John Rutter and premiered in 1985 by the Fox Valley Festival Chorus in Illinois, Rutter's Requiem is one of his most celebrated choral works, combining traditional liturgical texts with psalms and prayers. The work reflects Rutter’s signature style, influenced by French and English choral traditions, light music, and American song writing.
About Kevin
Kevin Stannard has taught music in a variety of settings across the age range and he has given workshops in many corners of the world, most recently in Montreal. He has worked extensively with university undergraduates and prospective music teachers and has produced three songbooks in OUP's Junior Voiceworks series; he has also co-written a number of cantatas with Rebecca Thompson and Aaron Ashmore. Kevin is currently teaching for Coventry Music, running choirs and coaching piano students. He is also curator for the Berkswell Music Festival. Recent projects include Riffing Around! - and its successor Sequenza! - which were devised in response to the needs of colleagues local to the West Midlands, with particular interests in teaching improvisation and composition. Now in his seventh year as Director Music at St John Baptist, Berkswell, Kevin has led several highly successful ‘Come & Sing’ events including Schubert Mass in G, Vivaldi's Gloria and Mozart Requiem.
About Stephen
Stephen began his musical career as a chorister at Coventry Cathedral. He studied piano and organ while at school then went on to read music at Cambridge University as organ scholar of Peterhouse. After graduating, Stephen joined the music staff of The Howard School, Rainham, Kent. Subsequent posts included Director of Music at King Henry VIII School, Coventry, Ardingly College, Sussex and Solihull School. Stephen has also been Conductor of the Warwick and Kenilworth Choral Society, Ardingly Choral Society and most recently Marie Curie Daffodil Choir in Solihull.
He now spends his time as a freelance organist and accompanist and is a frequent visiting organist at many local churches.
Kevin Stannard has taught music in a variety of settings across the age range and he has given workshops in many corners of the world, most recently in Montreal. He has worked extensively with university undergraduates and prospective music teachers and has produced three songbooks in OUP's Junior Voiceworks series; he has also co-written a number of cantatas with Rebecca Thompson and Aaron Ashmore. Kevin is currently teaching for Coventry Music, running choirs and coaching piano students. He is also curator for the Berkswell Music Festival. Recent projects include Riffing Around! - and its successor Sequenza! - which were devised in response to the needs of colleagues local to the West Midlands, with particular interests in teaching improvisation and composition. Now in his seventh year as Director Music at St John Baptist, Berkswell, Kevin has led several highly successful ‘Come & Sing’ events including Schubert Mass in G, Vivaldi's Gloria and Mozart Requiem.
About Stephen
Stephen began his musical career as a chorister at Coventry Cathedral. He studied piano and organ while at school then went on to read music at Cambridge University as organ scholar of Peterhouse. After graduating, Stephen joined the music staff of The Howard School, Rainham, Kent. Subsequent posts included Director of Music at King Henry VIII School, Coventry, Ardingly College, Sussex and Solihull School. Stephen has also been Conductor of the Warwick and Kenilworth Choral Society, Ardingly Choral Society and most recently Marie Curie Daffodil Choir in Solihull.
He now spends his time as a freelance organist and accompanist and is a frequent visiting organist at many local churches.