French composer/organist Maurice Durufle composed the “Durufle Requiem” in 1947 as a memorial to his father. It was the best known of his compositions, considered a choral masterwork of the 20th century, and was also performed in 1986 at the composer’s own memorial.

It was written for a choir with soprano and baritone soloists and includes themes from Gregorian chants. As a master organist, Durufle composed in a style that allowed the organ to be subtle and powerful, showing its range.

The Littleton Chorale will perform the “Durufle Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. March 16 at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church, accompanied by organist Joseph Galema, music director and academy organist at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Chorale publicist Joan Willis is especially enthusiastic about the “beautiful big organ” at Cherry Creek Presbyterian, to be played by internationally known organist Galema, who has been at the Air Force Academy since 1982.

He is director of the Cadet Chorale and Academy Singers and plays for hundreds of services annually in the chapel. He is also a faculty member at Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.

The Littleton Chorale was founded in 1978 by the late Bud Nicholson and has grown with six directors, including Michael Todd Krueger, current director, who is also minister of music at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada and director of the 120-voice Larimer Chorale in Fort Collins.

Chorale members and audiences come from throughout the south suburban area, and the chorale performs at various venues in that area.

Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church is at 10150 E. Belleview Ave. in Greenwood Village. Tickets: $15/$12, free under 12. littletonchorale.org.