Since his first visit last season when he wowed Hallé audiences, Kahchun Wong has taken up his new post as Chief Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. Characterised by The Guardian as ‘This Singapore-born ball of energy and charm’, he returns to conduct Fauré’s contemplative Requiem.Compared to other 19th century Requiems, like those by Berlioz and Verdi where the terrors of a Last Judgement are vividly apparent, Fauré’s vision was of solace and hope beyond the grave, which he viewed as ‘a happy deliverance, an aspiration towards happiness above.’ A much-loved work of British choirs and audiences, its glories include the Sanctus, with its violin solo offering celestial balm; the tender beauty of the soprano solo’s Pie Jesu; and the rippling accompaniment of In Paradisum, sublimely evoking a sense of heavenly peace.
