The Meistersingers of Mississippi will open the 2025 - 26 season with a concert of sacred music entitled “The Gift of Living” on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3 p.m. in Westminster Presbyterian Church. Featured on the program is “Requiem for the Living” by Dan Forrest, whose music is widely recognized for its beauty and inspirational moments. The concert is free, and the public is invited.
Other selections on the program include choral works by Ralph Vaughn Williams, René Clausen and Aaron Copland. Listeners will recognize the familiar text and melody of “The Old Hundreth Psalm Tune” as the melody of the “Doxology.” Another song of praise will round out the program. Instrumental and organ accompaniment combined with exuberant singing will amplify the excitement of the selections to be performed
“Requiem for the Living” is a five-movement work for chorus, soloists and instrumental accompaniment. In the Latin text, Forrest combines traditional texts from the Requiem with added Biblical passages from Ecclesiastes and the book of Job. It is a profoundly emotional and reflective choral work – a prayer not only for the departed, but for us, the living.
Listeners will recognize the text of the final movement, “Dona Nobis Pacem,” as a heartfelt prayer for healing. Professor Lambert Zuidervaart of the University of Toronto commented about the work, “It is we who ask for peace, and we do not await death to receive it. Rather, we both utter and hear a call to embrace rest and healing now.”
The Meistersingers of Mississippi is a distinguished choral ensemble known for their dedication to vocal excellence and community engagement. Founded in 1996, the group continues this legacy by presenting powerful performances that blend sacred and secular music with contemporary themes.
Meistersingers’ members are leaders in their communities: teachers, physicians, parents, young adults, professional people and retirees who believe that rehearsing and performing music is a way to share our love of music and bring enjoyment to the community. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community connection, the Meistersingers continue to set a high standard for choral music in the region.
This inspiring program promises an afternoon filled with singing that celebrates the beauty of sacred choral music. The combination of renowned composers and heartfelt texts ensures that the concert will offer both moments of quiet reflection and uplifting joy, making it an event not to be missed by music lovers in the community.
ABOUT THE MEISTERSINGERS
Founded in 1993, the Meistersingers of Mississippi has established itself as a vital force in the region’s musical life. Comprised of auditioned singers, the ensemble is dedicated to performing choral music of the highest caliber. The choir has performed at Lincoln Center in New York City, at Cadogan Hall in London, and at Canterbury Cathedral. The Chorus is the founding arm of the non-profit Hattiesburg Concert Association, also known for the annual event, FestivalSouth and Community Education and Outreach Program. Under the artistic direction of Dr. Joel Dunlap, now in his third season, the Meistersingers perform a diverse repertoire spanning centuries and styles. meistersingersofms.com
