About the Concert

Cantare’s 100-voice symphonic Chorale, accompanied by full orchestra, will present a concert entitled Sacred Serenity & Bombastic Brilliance featuring two major 20th century choral-orchestral masterworks: Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem and William Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast. The Chorale now in its 26th season, is renowned across the Bay Area for its eclectic repertoire and uncompromisingly high standards of musical excellence.

The diversity of our understanding of death, filled with grief, despair, reflection and hope are skillfully expressed through Durufle’s use of Gregorian chant melodies, supported by lush harmonies and orchestration that define mid-twentieth century French Romanticism. There is a feeling of acceptance of death as an integral part of life’s story, be it an ending place or simply a momentary glitch in time. Walton’s highly dramatic setting of an historical and theological event celebrates the surprising overthrow of military and economic might by those enslaved who place their hope in loftier places. It is perhaps the most dramatic work in the choral sphere, displaying brass and percussion fanfares throughout, recognizing their historic association with battle. Together, these works speak of hope and resilience, ideals we endeavor to nurture in our time.

Soloists

Andrew Pardini, Baritone

Andrew Thomas Pardini (Baritone) is thrilled to be making his company and role debuts with Cantare as Baritone Soloist in Belshazzar's Feast and Duruflé Requiem. Pardini is a Tenured Member of the Regular Chorus with San Francisco Opera, where he made his company debut as part of its 2022-2023 Centennial Season. Upcoming engagements include company debuts with Pocket Opera as Figaro/The Marriage of Figaro, a return to Marin Symphony as Bass Soloist/Mozart Requiem, company and role debuts with Lakeside Concert Series SF as Bass Soloist/Petite Messe Solennelle, as well as a return to San Francisco Opera for its 2025-2026 Season. A native of Modesto, California, Pardini is based in San Francisco. For more information, please visit www.andrewthomaspardini.com.