Esque Opera to perform Gabriel Faure's In Paradisium

In Paradisum (Into Paradise) includes Faure's exquisite Requiem, op. 48, and will be accompanied on the magnificent Dodd pipe organ of Pilgrim Uniting Church played by Lynda Jessup.

The show will feature soloists soprano Elizabeth Rowlings, and making his Esque Opera debut, baritone Stephen Brodie, as well as soprano Alison Saunders, tenor Benjamin Martin, tenor Christopher Bryg, and the Esque Opera chorus, with Monte Mumford directing.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Esque Opera is a small, labour-of-love Launceston company.

Artistic director and tenor Benjamin Martin said this performance would explore no less a theme as death itself.

"It is abundantly clear upon hearing this divine music, that Faure believed death was not something to be feared, but rather a blissful transcendence toward happiness above," he said.

"Every phrase of Faure's Requiem is imbibed with an exquisite angelic quality, particularly apparent in the famous soprano solo Pie Jesu and the final heavenly movement, In Paradisum.

"I feel very connected to the delicate nuances contained in these beautiful songs.

"It is a concert which is certain to transport you to a place of bliss and contentment whilst you are immersed in truly exquisite music... a journey into paradise."

WHAT: Esque Opera's In Paradisum

WHERE: Pilgrim Uniting Church, 34 Paterson Street, Launceston

WHEN: Sunday, November 17, at 2pm.

HOW MUCH: $20 including Devonshire Tea, cash only

TICKETS: On the door, or through Launceston Precision Jewellers, Andrew Jones Travel, and Meadow Mews Pharmacy before the day.