Cappella

Worship Through Music

Cappella, the new University of Mary Chapel Choir, is part of the Saint John Paul II Center for University Ministry. This choral ensemble has a particular ministry and mission, providing music for campus liturgies on Wednesday mornings, Sunday evenings, and other special university events. Participation in Cappella is by audition only.

https://www.umary.edu/faith-service/university-ministry/cappella

The Eucharistic Presence of Jesus Revealed in Sacred Music

Cappella has released its first full-length album, “Abide in Me: Eucharistic Music for Revival.” It includes chant, antiphons, hymns, and polyphony from throughout Church history, as well as specially commissioned pieces from composers and friends of Cappella. The lead track, “Ecce Panis” (Behold the Bread), is an original composition written by Dr. Rebecca Raber, Cappella’s director, in honor of the canonization of Saint Carlo Acutis.

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Mission and Ministry

Cappella has a particular mission and ministry, deep in the very heart of our Catholic liturgy. We are inspired by our University Ministry patron, St. John Paul II, who, in his Letter to Artists, urged us to craft our music, beauty — as a gift to the world. We give thanks to our Creator for the gifts that He has given us and seek only to offer them back to Him in humble praise. We worship through our music, singing the musical treasures of the Church as well as also welcoming other styles of music that promote the good and beautiful. We do this in service to God.

The stained glass in our chapel becomes beautiful and luminous when the light shines brightly through it. We look to our Creator to shine through us and our music in the same way, sharing His light and beauty to others.

The artist, image of God the Creator

"None can sense more deeply than you artists, ingenious creators of beauty that you are, something of the pathos with which God at the dawn of creation looked upon the work of his hands. A glimmer of that feeling has shone so often in your eyes when — like the artists of every age — captivated by the hidden power of sounds and words, colours and shapes, you have admired the work of your inspiration, sensing in it some echo of the mystery of creation with which God, the sole creator of all things, has wished in some way to associate you."

— Letter of His Holiness, Pope Saint John Paul II To Artists (1999)

Luminosa: Cappella by Candlelight

Cappella hosts a sacred music festival, Luminosa: Cappella by Candlelight, in the Twin Cities each year. It consists of sacred music performed by Cappella, a featured headliner ensemble, and area Catholic high school choirs.

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Meet the Conductor

Rebecca Raber, DMA

Director of Choral Studies, Cappella & Concert Choir, Fellow in Catholic Studies

I have a deep passion for music and its special capacity to affect the human soul. My career has been built on my desire to encourage and develop my students’ musical gifts—all within and supported by a strong and intentional community. I seek to reveal the elements of truth, beauty, and goodness through sacred choral music, mingling the composer’s artistry with a sincere and intentional expression of the text, so that our singing transcends simple music and becomes prayer.

It is essential in our world that singers recognize, experience, and create beauty within it. Studies show that singing daily—particularly in community—strengthens musicians physically, intellectually, and spiritually. The choral art is best celebrated by singers knowing that they are part of something bigger than themselves. It is beautiful. That's the kind of experience I want to provide my students and share with our community.

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Sing in Cappella

Participation in Cappella requires an audition. Learn More.

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