On Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, the Ancilla Domini Chapel came alive with the timeless beauty of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Mass in C Minor. The Ancilla Domini Community Choir and Orchestra delivered a stunning performance that harmonized with the chapel’s rich Neo-Gothic architecture, creating an evening that celebrated both music and history. Free and open to the public, the event invited attendees to immerse themselves in a transformative experience, blending the grandeur of sacred music with the inspiring atmosphere of one of Indiana’s most cherished spiritual landmarks.
Before the first notes rang out, Andrew Jennings, director of liturgy and music for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, welcomed the audience with a brief and heartfelt introduction. Jennings invited guests to experience both the music and the space to the fullest extent.
“I invite you to get up out of your seat and walk around the space,” he said, pointing out the several different viewpoints, including two screens that showed a live image close-up of the choir. “Experience what the chapel is speaking to you. Understand that music is a living, breathing thing that you can experience in different ways.”
The Ancilla Domini Chapel, part of the Motherhouse of the American Province of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, provided the perfect setting for the evening’s performance. Built in the early 20th century, the Neo-Gothic chapel features intricate German-made stained-glass windows, hand-carved statues, and a majestic altar that together create an artistic and wondrous atmosphere.
A major highlight of the evening was the Taylor and Boody pipe organ, which is a modern addition to the chapel’s unique history. The deep tones melded seamlessly with the voices of the choir and the instruments of the orchestra, adding an angelic and emotional depth to Mozart’s work.
The choir, orchestra, and organist were positioned on the chapel’s second-floor balcony, facing the audience from the back. As the concert began, the chapel’s acoustics amplified every note, enveloping the attendees in heavenly sound. The interplay between the performers and the space transformed the chapel into an instrument of its own.
Throughout the performance, the audience embraced Jennings’ invitation to explore. Several attendees turned in their seats to face the choir, their bodies and faces reflecting awe as they absorbed the beauty of the moment. Others walked to the front chairs for a closer view, while some strolled around the chapel, admiring its architectural design and engaging with the music in deeply personal ways.
For many, the experience was profoundly moving. The soaring notes of the Kyrie, the powerful harmonies of the Gloria, and the haunting beauty of the Credo evoked strong emotions. Tears filled the eyes of several guests as the music’s spiritual and emotional weight demanded to be felt.
The program reflected Jennings’ and the performers’ dedication to making sacred music accessible to all. The event was free to the public, thanks to generous benefactors, and attendees were invited to stay after the performance for a reception in the Cenacle Dining Room below the chapel.
Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, considered one of the composer’s greatest sacred works, is often considered an artistic exploration of faith and devotion. Though unfinished, its dramatic contrasts and virtuosic passages challenge and inspire performers and listeners in the present day.
Under Jennings’ direction, the Ancilla Domini Community Choir and Orchestra flawlessly delivered a performance that honored the piece’s complexity and emotional depth. The music seemed to breathe life into the chapel, connecting its sacred purpose with the universal power of art.
As the final notes faded, applause filled the space, a testament to the performers’ dedication and the transformative power of the evening.
As the final notes of Mozart’s Mass in C Minor faded into the stillness of the chapel, the audience was left with a profound sense of connection to the music, to the space, and to one another. The evening beautifully displayed the transformative power of art, blending timeless compositions with the chapel’s awe-inspiring architecture to create an unforgettable experience.
To learn more about the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, visit Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.