The USJ Choir presents an exceptional concert dedicated to the sacred music of Francis Poulenc, featuring soprano Yara Kasti and the Jeunesses musicales du Liban Orchestra.
The Choir of Saint-Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut invites you to an exceptional musical event celebrating the sacred music of Francis Poulenc, one of the most versatile and creative composers of the 20th century. This inaugural concert, marking the beginning of celebrations for the 150th anniversary of USJ, will be held on June 5 and 6 at 8:30 PM at the Saint-Joseph Church of the Jesuit Fathers, Monnot.
The concert program will feature three of Poulenc’s most iconic sacred works: the Stabat Mater, the Gloria and the Litanies to the Black Virgin. These compositions, which Poulenc considered “the best and most authentic part of myself,” reflect his profound spirituality and unmatched talent for blending religious solemnity with a unique musical sensitivity.
The Stabat Mater, composed in 1950 in memory of his friend, painter Christian Bérard, is a poignant work that explores the sorrow of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross. The Gloria, written in 1959, is a joyful and exuberant piece that sparked controversy at its premiere due to its occasionally light and irreverent tone. Finally, the Litanies to the Black Virgin, composed in 1936 after a visit to the sanctuary of Rocamadour, is an intense and meditative musical prayer.
To perform these masterful works, the USJ Choir will be accompanied by the Jeunesses musicales du Liban Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Yasmina Sabbah. The Franco-Lebanese soprano Yara Kasti, renowned for her pure and crystalline timbre, will lend her voice to the solo parts, promising a moving and memorable performance.
Kasti, whose career is marked by acclaimed performances in both the lyrical repertoire and contemporary music, will bring emotional depth and technical virtuosity to these works. Her ability to navigate high notes with agility and her clear diction make her an ideal performer for Poulenc’s music, which demands both precision and expressiveness.
Poulenc, born in 1899 in Paris, was a member of the famous group of French composers known as Les Six. His music, characterized by a great diversity of styles and impeccable technical mastery, reflects the many facets of his personality. Poulenc skillfully blended various influences ranging from jazz to religious music, including popular melodies and sophisticated harmonies.
His musical journey was marked by decisive encounters with figures such as pianist Ricardo Viñes, who introduced him to the music of Debussy, Stravinsky and Satie, and poet Jean Cocteau, who played a key role in the formation of Les Six. Poulenc was also deeply influenced by his Catholic faith, which inspired much of his sacred work.
This concert is a unique opportunity to discover or rediscover Poulenc’s sacred music in an exceptional setting. The Saint-Joseph Church of the Jesuit Fathers, with its remarkable acoustics, will provide a perfect backdrop for these sublime works. The audience can expect an evening of musical grace, where the spiritual depth of Poulenc will meet the passionate and virtuosic interpretation of the artists.
Do not miss this celebration of the sacred music of Francis Poulenc, a composer whose work continues to touch and inspire generations of music lovers. Join the USJ Choir, Yara Kasti and the Jeunesses musicales du Liban Orchestra for an unforgettable moment of beauty and emotion.
Dates: June 5 and 6 at 8:30 PM
Venue: Saint-Joseph Church of the Jesuit Fathers, Monnot
Tickets are available on: https://www.ticketingboxoffice.com/the-sacred-music-of-poulenc-tickets/group/950/en
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