The Notre Dame Magnificat Choir

The Notre Dame Magnificat Choir proclaims the glory of God through prayerful song and strives to draw people closer to Christ with its ministry. The choir celebrates and builds upon the rich musical traditions of the Church, uplift women’s voices, and serves the community as the hands and feet of Christ. As a diverse group of singers, the ensemble reflects the Notre Dame family by fostering a spirit of community that creates lifelong friendships.

The Notre Dame Magnificat Choir (formerly the Women’s Liturgical Choir) is currently comprised of fifty women from various academic and faith backgrounds who primarily serve as musicians at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The choir is inclusive, welcoming, and open to all graduate and undergraduate Notre Dame, St. Mary’s, and Holy Cross students who sing in the treble range. The choir performs chant, newly commissioned works, and other sacred music from various eras and cultures in both Masses and concerts. Recent annual tours have brought the choir to Peru, South America, and to Montréal, Canada. The choir strives to build upon the rich musical traditions of the Church, to uplift women’s voices, and to serve the community as the hands and feet of Christ. Plans for the 2021-2022 academic year include recording a new album, performing concerts, and a tour to Ireland.

The Magnificat Choir derives its name from the song of the Blessed Virgin Mary: “Magnificat anima mea Dominum” (“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord”). With Our Lady, through song, our souls proclaim the Lord’s greatness and our spirits rejoice in our Saving God. Mary’s words inspire our mission to serve, worship, and uplift women’s voices as we follow her perfect example of a life of praise.

The choir, under the direction of Dr. Patrick Kronner, is responsible for providing music at the Saturday Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, including the mass after Notre Dame home football games. In addition, the Magnificat Choir occasionally sings at other Masses and services through the school year, including:

Opening of the School Year Mass
Sunday vespers
Advent Lessons and Carols
Certain Holy Days of Obligation, and special Masses
Junior Parents Weekend Mass
Holy Week Liturgies (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday)
Yearly concert
Baccalaureate Mass

Notre Dame Magnificat Choir: “Sing Praises, Sing Praises” by Kent A. Newbury

The Notre Dame Magnificat Choir (formerly Women’s Liturgical Choir) sings “Sing Praises, Sing Praise” by Kent A. Newbury under the direction of Daniel Bayless. This track is featured on the choir’s album, “Cantica.”

Notre Dame Magnificat Choir: Alleluia by David Conte

The Notre Dame Magnificat Choir (Formerly known as the University of Notre Dame Women’s Liturgical Choir) sings “Alleluia” by Alleluia by David Conte under the direction of Daniel Bayless.

Notre Dame Magnificat Choir sings “How Can I Keep from Singing?” arranged by John Scott

The Notre Magnificat Choir (formerly the Women’s Liturgical Choir) sings John Scott’s arrangement of “How Can I Keep from Singing?” The clip is a part of their concert entitled “How Can I Keep from Singing?: A Musical Encounter with Christ” which aired throughout Canada on Salt + Light Television on April 8, 2018. It was recorded at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Patrick Kronner, director; JJ Mitchell, organ; Sheridan Foy, mezzo soprano.

“Notre Dame, Our Mother” By Casasanta/O’Donnell, CSC

The Notre Dame Magnificat Choir sings Emily Mason’s “Meditabor.” Emily’s beautiful setting was the first place winner of the 2021 Liturgy Alive Composition Contest. This was recorded live on December 5, 2021 in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart as a part the annual Advent Lessons and Carols.

I will meditate on your commandments which I love exceedingly; I will lift up my hands towards your commandments which I love. -Psalm 118 (119): 47, 4