The Montreal Compline Choir (G.P.) will sing its first compline (in French) on Friday, May 20 at 9 p.m. at Saint-Pierre-Apôtre Church in Montreal (1201, rue de la Visitation, Montreal).

The Montreal Compline Choir is a semi-professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Matthieu Latreille and Francine Nguyen-Savaria. The couple had the opportunity to attend Compline during their years in Los Angeles as well as in the United Kingdom. They wish to share this treasure of the Catholic tradition with the people of Montreal.

The last office of the Liturgy of the Hours, which has been sung by Christians for centuries, is called “compline.” It "completes" the day as its name suggests. The Office owes much of its current form to Saint Benedict. Compline is sung daily in monasteries and also in many churches and cathedrals around the world.

The repertoire will include the magnificent composition “Le premier jour” by Francisco Lequerica, Gregorian chant, plainsong in French and music from the Renaissance. Everything will be sung a cappella, i.e. without instrumental accompaniment.

"It is a beautiful, serene office,” says Francine Nguyen-Savaria, who sings as a mezzo-soprano. “One can participate simply by listening and letting the music take us somewhere else. My personal experience of Compline is that of a service that frees us from the concerns and demands of this world.”

The offerings collected will be used to support the parish of Saint-Pierre-Apôtre and will help the Choir in covering its expenses.