“Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ is one of the most powerful works in the sacred choral repertoire, combining a terrifying musical depiction of the Apocalypse with shimmering glimmers of hope for salvation,” says Nicholas Halbert, Canon Precentor and Cathedral Organist, Episcopal Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem.

“The Choir of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity presents the masterwork during an ‘All Souls’ Day Requiem Mass,’ providing a rare opportunity to hear Mozart in its original liturgical context,” Halbert says.

“All Souls’ Memorial Eucharist: Mozart’s Requiem” is at 6 p.m. Nov. 1, Episcopal Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem.

Says Halbert, “Although the choir has performed this work several times, this is the first time it’s being done as an actual requiem mass.”

The mass is based on the Catholic tradition of asking God to accept a human soul into heaven.

Mozart’s “Requiem in D minor, K.626” was commissioned by a patron whose wife died.

Although Mozart was ill, he accepted the commission. Mozart died before he completed the work.

Of the 14 movements, Mozart completed only the first movement and vocal parts and basso continuo for the six following movements.

He provided explicit guidance for the melodies but left the orchestration unfinished.

Mozart died in December 1791 after writing only the first eight measures of the “Lacrimosa.”

With the permission of Mozart’s wife Constanze, his student Franz Xaver Süssmayr completed the “Lacrimosa” and the remaining movements in 1792.

Says Halbert, “The ‘Requiem’ is astonishing for its stark juxtaposition of terror and solace.

“All are welcome to join Nativity [Church] for this music, which is all too relevant for our own modern age of anxiety.”

Guest vocalists are soprano Katelyn Grace Jackson, mezzo-soprano Lauren Kelly, tenor Carlos E. Barraza Trevino and baritone Ian Murphy.

In addition to serving as Canon Precentor for the Episcopal Cathedral Church of the Nativity, wHalbert is Artist-in-Residence at Rowan University and Staff Keyboardist for the Camerata Singers, Bethlehem.

“All Souls’ Memorial Eucharist: Mozart’s Requiem,” 6 p.m. Nov. 1, Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem. Free. Information: 610-865-0727; https://www.nativitycathedral.org/musicatnativity

“I call this concert a ‘palette of colors’ because Richard Strauss and Camille Saint-Saëns wrote very colorful, lush pieces,” says Diane Wittry, Music Director and Conductor of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra (ASO).

“And for the Paulus work, the organist will choose the palette of colors,” says Wittry.

Allentown Symphony Orchestra presents “Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony,” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7; 2 p.m. Nov. 8, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

“The tone poem ‘Don Juan (after Nicolaus Lenau), Op. 20’ by Richard Strauss is widely recognized as a virtuosic work for orchestra with beautiful oboe and string solos yet technically demanding while making the orchestra sound like an organ,” says Wittry.

Composed in 1888, Strauss’ work is based on the 1844 unfinished verse drama “Don Juans Ende” (“Don Juan’s End”) by Nikolaus Lenau which depicts Don Juan as someone who seeks the ideal woman. Unable to find her, he orchestrates his own death in a duel.

Guest organist Paul Jacobs performs Stephen Paulus’ “Concerto for Organ and Orchestra” (2004) comprised of three movements: “I. Vivacious and Spirited, II. Austere; Foreboding and III. Jubilant.”

After intermission, the ASO performs Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78” (1886), dedicated to Saint-Saens’ friend and mentor Franz Liszt.

Says Wittry, “The work consists of two large sections although it feels like four movements with a unique palette of colors.”

The organ for the concert is an Allen III-44 classical organ provided by the Allen Organ Company, Macungie.

Says Wittry, “The Allentown Symphony has had a very special relationship with the Allen Organ Company since our founding, and we thank them for their continued support.”

Jacobs is the only organist ever to have won a Grammy Award, in 2011 for Messiaen’s “Livre du Saint-Sacrément.”

Jacobs received a Bachelor’s from the Curtis Institute of Music with a double-major in Organ and Harpsichord and a Master’s and Artist Diploma from Yale University.

“Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony,” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7; 2 p.m. Nov. 8, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown. Free tickets for those 21 and under. Tickets: at the box office; 610-432-6715; https://millersymphonyhall.org

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com