Mar 27, 2015 3 min read

Sharen Helms has been singing since she was a young girl, and she can say without hesitation that nothing has moved her as much as John Rutter’s “Requiem.”

“When you think about what it’s saying, it is incredible,” said Helms, whose “singing career” has spanned 40-plus years.

“You have to bring out every emotion,” she said. “This is the first time I saw music that made me feel this way. It just touches your soul.”

Helms is a member of the Washington Festival Chorale, which, along with a guest orchestra, will present “A Tribute to John Rutter” in honor of the renowned composer’s 70th birthday at 4 p.m. April 12 at Faith United Presbyterian Church in Washington.

Rutter was born in London in 1945 and wasted little time immersing himself in music, eventually becoming one of the most respected composers, conductors, arrangers and record producers, mainly of choral music.

In addition to “Requiem,” Rutter’s compositions include Christmas carols, anthems and extended works like “Gloria” and “Magnificat.”

He was commissioned to write “Psalm 150” for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, as well as “This is the Day,” an anthem that was performed during the wedding of Prince William and Kate at Westminster Abbey.

“Requiem” combines parts of the Latin Requiem, with added psalms in English. Rutter finished the piece in 1985, and it was first performed at Lovers’ Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. A few of the movements include psalms that are commonly used in Anglican funerals.

“I’m looking forward to this concert,” Helms said. “Learning this music has been a little tougher. It’s moving, but it’s sad.”

Helms said she became hooked on singing when the lyrics of one particular song struck a chord. The lyrics begin with “My life flows on in endless song” and end with “How can I keep from singing?”

“I love to sing. It makes me happy,” Helms said. “It’s a way to express yourself.”

As teenagers, Helms said she and her twin sister would sing together. Sharen sings soprano; her twin is an alto. Their older sister would accompany them on the organ.

Helms sings in her church choir, and she’s shared her musical talent with young children, teaching them to sing.

“God gave me a good voice,” she said.

However, Helms is a relative newcomer to the chorale, joining the singers last May. Helms’ schedule finally permitted her to carve out the extensive amount of time that is required to prepare for concerts. The chorale typically rehearses every Sunday for nearly three hours.

“It’s a commitment,” Helms said. “In the end, it’s worth the time.”