The upcoming Fort Dodge Choral Society concert will feature a major work called “Requiem for the Living,” but the group’s conductor, Bruce Perry, said the performance will be anything but mournful.

“It’s a surprisingly joyous work,” he said.

The concert will be at 4 p.m. Sunday in St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 239 N. 11th St.

Perry said the entire concert is a celebration of peace and joy. It is about celebrating the joy of living, he said.

-Messenger file photo
Bruce Perry, of Fort Dodge, plays the piano and conducts the Fort Dodge Choral Society and the Jive for Five Bass during rehearsal for the December 2022 concert at First United Methodist Church.

He acknowledged that a requiem is typically for someone who died.

“Requiem for the Living’ in and of itself sounds like an oxymoron,” he said.

The music and lyrics, however, make this requiem about peace and rest.

“Requiem for the Living” was written by Dan Forrest and debuted in 2013.

“A lot of the music is drop dead gorgeous,” Perry said.

-Messenger file photo
Leslie Reetz, of Fort Dodge, sings with the Fort Dodge Choral Society and the Jive for Five Bass during rehearsal for the December 2022 concert at First United Methodist Church.

Greta Nelson and Sean O’Connor will be the featured soloists.

The concert will also feature “Ave Maria,” “The Lord is my Shepherd,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

“Those who love beautiful music will love this concert,” Perry said. “It’s kind of a sonic spectacular,”

It is also, he said, a relatively rare chance to hear a major choral work close to home.

“This is an opportunity to experience a new work and enjoy and afternoon of beauty,” Perry said.

If You Go

What: Fort Dodge Choral Society concert

“Requiem for the Living”

When: 4 p.m. Sunday

Where: St. Olaf Lutheran Church,

239 N. 11th St.