Loyola's Spring Choir Concert Honors the Blessed Mother and Mozart

Choir Director Mr. Jesse Borower shared, "Our students took a deep dive into classical performance practice, Latin diction, and the life of Mozart to bring this historical piece of music to life. Each class, a student would present a Mozart fact of the day to help understand the mind behind the music."

"Performing with the orchestra added a professional touch and really made it feel like a big accomplishment. In such a beautiful and grand church, the mix of classical voices and orchestra created a new sound realm," said Emilia Nelson '26.

Although the name was not given by Mozart himself, the work gained this title after it was performed at the coronation of Leopold II in 1791. It subsequently became the preferred setting for royal and imperial coronations in the Viennese court. The performance was offered in celebration of the May Crowning, honoring the Blessed Mother. The choir's performance captured Mozart's compositional brilliance as well as the subtle wit and emotional contrasts woven throughout the piece.

Fine Arts Department Chair Ms. Pat Patterson was impressed by "the majesty of the Coronation Mass sung in an Italian Baroque-style church, by our students in full concert attire, passionately singing together. It was an incredible experience for all who attended."

For the senior class, this concert held special importance. "The idea of doing my hair for the last time in the dressing room; the thought of reviewing my sheet music for the last time, of being handed our white roses as seniors, and realizing this truly is the last time we will all sing together as one was emotional," said Angelina Petrov '25.

Leading up to the Coronation Mass, the program traced a thematic arc through hardship, transformation, and hope. To view the complete concert program, click here.