South Bend Tribune | Mar 20, 2016

SOUTH BEND — The South Bend Chamber Singers perform at 7:30 p.m. today in the Church of Loretto at Saint Mary’s College.

Titled “New Beginnings: A Mother’s Journey,” the concert features the world premiere of composer Jorge Muñiz’s Stabat Mater Speciosa.

An associate professor of music at Indiana University South Bend, he wrote the Stabat Mater for and has dedicated it to Mishawaka’s Hannah’s House, an organization that provides a safe home, emotional support and programming to assist pregnant women of all ages.

The Latin text comes from the 13th century and describes the joy of Mary as she stayed beside her newborn son. It depicts humanity rejoicing for the salvation that the Christ child brings to all.

The performance features the Saint Mary’s Women’s Choir with the Chamber Singers, pianists Jennifer Muñiz and David Eicher, and soprano soloist Laurel Thomas.

While the two choirs sing the Latin text, Thomas will sing texts in English drawn from interviews and writings of women who have lived at Hannah’s House.

The program also includes other pieces on the theme of motherhood by a variety of composers and a magnificat for solo violin featuring Jameson Cooper, the first violinist of the Euclid Quartet. The concert ends with both choirs singing Welsh composer Paul Mealor’s “A Celtic Prayer.”

The concert also is a benefit for Hannah’s House.

Tickets are $16-$6.

Call 574-284-4626 or visit moreaucenter.org.