Premiered by the University of Louisville Women’s Chorus on April 14th, 2026 under the direction of Dr. Won Joo Ahn. Dedicated to Amelia Grace Glikin.
Program Note: Light is often made more beautiful by that which reflects it. Whether it’s frost twinkling in the sun’s morning glow, moon beams cascading across ocean waves, a rainbow forming as rain breaks, or even stained glass casting its colors across a sanctuary floor, our world is full of light beautified by reflections. In Christian theology, Mary, the Mother of Jesus is often depicted as the moon, or the “star of the sea. “Just as the moon reflects the sun’s light, so does Mary reflect God’s light and deliver it into our world. Mary’s words in the Magnificat are a testament beyond rational understanding that has echoed throughout generations, revealing humility, adoration, trust, and faith that is to be admired, reflected on, and imitated.
The Magnificat prayer has been set musically dating back to Gregorian chants, and in this setting, I sought to portray both Mary’s humanity and her blessedness in equal proportion, allowing for vulnerability in the rhythmic and harmonic choices while also building towards moments of triumph and glory. Furthermore, I used the phenomena of light reflecting as a guide for the form, texture, and pitch content as a nod to its theological significance regarding Mary. Our world is trapped in the grip of ego, power, and self-importance. May the humility revealed in the Magnificat remind us that true strength and conviction requires denying ourselves and working towards a greater good in spite of personal comfort. May Mary’s Magnificat continue to echo across generations, serving as a reminder that we must humbly reflect the light we are given, no matter the cost. -Benjamin Carter
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55):
My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour
Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid:
for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Because He that is mighty hath done great things to me,
and holy is His name.
And His mercy is from generation
unto generations to them that fear Him.
He hath shewed might in His arm:
He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat,
and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel His servant,
being mindful of His mercy.
As He spoke to our fathers;
to Abraham and his seed forever.