Exultate Chamber Choir and Orchestra, with Artistic Director, Thomas D. Rossin, performs Paul Mealor’s Stabat Mater in May, 2016. Exultate is an ensemble located in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Jessie Braaten is the soprano soloist in the second movement. More information about this group at: www.exultate.org

Paul Mealor “This is most deeply personal as I composed it as a means of climbing out of a very dark time in my life... Divided into four sections my setting of this powerful poem attempts to portray the journey from darkness, despair and suffering to light, rest and final, everlasting peace. The “Vatican” version of the text is used without any changes, but stanzas 3, 4 & 5 are omitted.” Originally scored for piano and choir in 2008, the composer rescored it in 2013 for strings, harp and choir. This is the Midwest premiere of Mealor’s orchestral version which is his largest choral work to date. The harmonies, style and meaningful texts combine to produce a work which reaches the heart and soul of those who hear it. Paul Mealor is a composer worth watching as his music will be with us for many years to come.

Recording Engineer: David Trembley, Soundmaster Productions.