Owensboro High School’s choir is set to perform John Rutter’s Requiem on November 16, 2024, marking the last time longtime director Jennifer Wiggins will conduct the piece. This performance will continue a nearly 20-year tradition of the school’s alumni and community members joining current students on stage for the concert.
Wiggins, who has been the choir director at OHS for 22 years, began this tradition in 2007 as part of her major choral works series. Every 2 years, she alternates between the Requiem and Handel’s Messiah. With her retirement coming up in 4 years, this will be her last time leading the Requiem performance.
Wiggins noted that Rutter’s Requiem stands out due to its modern interpretation, which mixes traditional mass elements with different literary influences.
“Every major composer wrote a requiem,” Wiggins said. “It pulls from different literature, instead of just the traditional Mass, and it’s why it’s so important in music history.”
The November 16 performance will be held at the OHS auditorium at 7 p.m. and will feature a small professional orchestra, including some alumni and faculty members. Wiggins said alumni from as far back as 2007 often return for the occasion, even those from various states across the country.
“It’s really become a community event,” she said. “Since this will be my last Rutter Requiem, I wanted to make sure as many people as possible could join us.”
Wiggins also highlighted the unique emotional journey of the Requiem, describing it as a transition “from darkness to light” and how it resonates with life’s ups and downs. She encourages the community to attend, whether as performers or audience members, to experience the beauty of the music.
Rehearsal for alumni and community members will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on the day of the concert. The event’s website has more information and a form to participate. The concert is free and open to the public.
