There is no shortage of recordings of Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, most of them coupled with the more popular one by Gabriel Fauré, but hearing it live is another matter. In fact, before this concert with Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles, Sydney Symphony Orchestra had never performed it.

The all-French program included another seldom-performed work, Claude Debussy’s cantata La Damoiselle élue which the orchestra last played more than 60 years ago. The packed out Friday night crowd in the Opera House’s Concert Hall enjoyed these rare treats so much that after the first half they had to be asked to hold their applause until Runnicles had stopped conducting.

Sir Donald Runnicles conducts The Duruflé Requiem. Photo © Jay Patel

The evening started in more familiar territory with a little night music and a ravishing performance of Debussy’s Nocturnes, in this case the full set of three pieces. Alexandre Oguey’s sinuous cor anglais solo traced the first muted colours of Nuages (Clouds), marking the start of a busy evening for him as a pivotal player.

Debussy named the set in honour of his friend, American artist James McNeill Whistler, and although none of...