Artes Christi Australia, in collaboration with Coro Austral, will present In Memoriam – a performance of Gabriel Fauré’s sublime Requiem – on All Saints’ and Souls weekend, Saturday 1 November 2025 at 7pm in St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Lewisham.
Continuing a cherished annual tradition, In Memoriam will raise funds for Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) — the international Catholic charity dedicated to supporting suffering, oppressed, and persecuted Christians around the world.
“Through this concert, we unite our voices in prayer and solidarity with those who continue to suffer for their faith,” says Michael Murphy, chorusmaster for Artes Christi and conductor of the performance.
“Fauré’s Requiem is not only a musical masterpiece but also a profound expression of peace, mercy, and hope – values that resonate deeply with the mission of Aid to the Church in Need.”
The centrepiece of the evening, Fauré’s Requiem, stands apart from other settings of the Mass for the Dead.
Eschewing the fiery depictions of judgment found in many requiems, Fauré offers instead a vision of eternal rest – requiem aeternam – suffused with serenity and faith. His music invites reflection on the mystery of life, death, and the promise of heavenly peace.
This year’s In Memoriam will also feature sacred works by other composers such as Byrd and Gjeilo creating a deeply reflective program of choral beauty and spiritual solace.
For Artes Christi, the event continues its growing partnership with Aid to the Church in Need, following the success of past concerts such as Carols for Peace and Passion – Stabat Mater, which together have raised over $40,000 to support ACN projects in regions such as Ukraine, the Holy Land, and Lebanon.
“Our partnership with Artes Christi has been an extraordinary blessing,” says Bernard Toutounji, national director of Aid to the Church in Need Australia & New Zealand.
“These concerts remind us that faith and art together can transform hearts and make a real difference for communities who endure persecution and hardship. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of everyone involved.”
As conflicts and humanitarian crises continue to affect Christian communities in many parts of the world, In Memoriam stands as a beacon of hope – a musical prayer offered for peace, mercy, and the triumph of faith amid suffering.
“When people attend In Memoriam, they’re not just coming to hear great sacred music,” Murphy adds. “They’re joining in an act of compassion – turning beauty into aid for those who need it most.”
Tickets can be purchased here.
