The Cathedral Choir and Laude present Gloria by Francis Poulenc at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. Poulenc’s post-war setting of the “Gloria” is as expansive and celebrative as it is questioning. His use of word stress in opposition to metric stress creates an uneasy elation as the choir dances through these famous Christmas lyrics. The soprano solo, sung by Laurel Irene, floats angularly, an angel flying too close to earth caught up in humanity’s failures. Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the piece is Poulenc’s inventive orchestral colors. Played by Christoph Bull on The Great Organs, this timbral masterpiece returns to the organ-inspired home from which they came. To hear orchestral music of this ilk performed by Christoph Bull on The Great Organs is a treat not to be missed. The Cathedral Choir will lead this celebration directed by David Harris.

Free and open to the public.