By Trista Cridler, guest writer
AQ Choir singing lenten reflections in front of the altar – Photo by Zoebelle Bean
The Aquinas College Choir presented its program titled “Lenten Meditations” at 6 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, March 26. The concert took place in Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel. Consisting of nine different songs, it was split into three sections titled: “The Fall of Man and the Promise of a Redeemer,” “True and False Fasting” and “The Suffering and Glory of the Redeemer.” There were songs in each section from varying time periods chosen to reflect the section’s theme.
The event was opened in prayer by Father Jordan Deguire, O.P. This was followed by a word from Dr. Emmanuel de Leon in which he stated that the goal of the Lenten concert was to give the community a time to reflect and pray. He also explained that some of the repertoire for the concert had been chosen around the theme of a Tenebrae service, which choir members had expressed interest in performing to him.
Of special note was the renowned song Miserere Mei, Deus, which was the penultimate song performed during the service. Miserere Mei, Deus, composed by Gregorio Allegri in the late Renaissance, is one of the most famous and widely performed pieces of sacred music. “It was a lot of fun and very educational to learn a piece as historic as Miserere Mei,” freshman Anna O’Neill said. “I liked singing sacred music in the chapel space. Events like this are really important for the community.”
AQ Choir performing “Miserere Mei, Deus” from the front and back of the Chapel – Photo by Zoebelle Bean
Sophomore Mary Kampe, another member of the Aquinas College Choir, sang some of the highest notes in Miserere Mei, Deus. “I think it was really important, I felt very connected to my faith through the pieces,” Kampe said. “After the first few pieces, it felt like less of a concert and more of a reflection or a prayer. That was really the goal for me.”
The event was concluded with a closing prayer from Father Bob, a few words from Dr. De Leon and finally a rendition of O God, Beyond All Praising, which all members of the community were invited to join in and sing with.
The Saint 