Ubi Caritas: Where There is Love, presents music exploring the idea that love marks God’s presence throughout our world. Among the pieces will be four settings of the Ubi Caritas text, based on the Gregorian chant. Paul Halley’s Ubi Caritas combines the Gregorian chant line with a climactic African song – accompanied by exciting percussion, while Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo’s Ubi Caritas is a mesmerizing and contemplative acapella version. Other expressions of love as a universal truth include a Hindu devotional song with the refrain Dear God, be your name Eshwar or Allah, give everyone wisdom, and A. R. Rahman’s Zikr, a Muslim chant that begins as a meditation and ends as an energetic proclamation. Explorations of other Gregorian chants include a rhythmic and exhilarating version of Veni, Veni Emmanuel by modern composer Michael John Trotta. The concert will conclude with Christmas carols — and an invitation for the audience to join the boys in song.

Sung by Concert Group and Young Men’s Ensemble

Old First Presbyterian Church
1751 Sacramento Street, San Francisco

Tickets at www.oldfirstconcerts.org