Concert in memory of church’s musical director

The Lutheran Church of Honolulu Choir and Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble will perform French composer Maurice Durufle’s “Requiem” in memory of the church’s late pioneering music director, Carl Crosier.

The concert, which is free and open to the public, is at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, 1730 Punahou St.

In addition to Durufle’s “Requiem,” the event will feature the world premiere of Frank Ferko’s “Missa O Magne Pater,” based on medieval Hildegard chants, according to a news release. “Missa O Magne Pater” was commissioned on the suggestion of Crosier and is patterned after Vaughan Williams’ “Mass in G Minor” for unaccompanied double chorus.

Ferko’s works have been performed in more than 60 countries. Ferko will attend the premiere of his “Mass,” which is dedicated to the memory of Crosier, the release said.

Timothy Carney and Scott Fikse will conduct the combined choirs with members of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, organist Jonathan Dimmock and soloists Laurie Rubin (mezzo-soprano) and Leslie “Buz” Tennent (baritone).

Crosier (1945-2014), a conductor, pianist, countertenor soloist, harpsichordist and organist — whose tenure at the church spanned 38 years — built the music program from the ground up, beginning with a choir of seven people which grew into four choirs with 70 people, the release said. Because of Crosier’s passion for the works of Bach, the choir became known for its stylistic, historic interpretations and sang 70 Bach cantatas with orchestra, including the “St. Matthew Passion,” the “St. John Passion,” the “Christmas Oratorio” and the “Mass in B Minor.”

Crosier also conducted major works by other composers, including Britten, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Monteverdi, Telemann and Vivaldi. In addition, he conducted the Durufle “Requiem” in 1991.

Free parking is available in the Poki Street lot adjacent to the church.