Reflective Lenten Concert Planned

WESTON — Accomplished musician Marlane Tubridy will lead her Cantiamo Choir in a Lenten concert titled “Speak Lord, your Servant is Listening” at St Francis of Assisi Church on Thursday, April 14.

The concert will begin at 7 pm, is expected to last one hour, and will consist of both scripture and song. The community is invited to attend and admission is free.

With degrees from Kent State, Julliard, and New York University, combined with her studies at LaScala in Milan, Italy, Ms Tubridy’s initial area of concentration was opera. She later developed a penchant for composition and musical leadership. Hence the Cantiamo Choir was born.

The choir is a nonprofit organization and its name translates from Italian into “we sing.” It began humbly with nine members, hailing from around Fairfield County, who came with varied backgrounds and a love for singing.  Now in its eighth year, the choir has grown to a group of 25 singers and performs regularly. In the spirit of giving back, Ms Tubridy has orchestrated several benefit concerts, where proceeds were donated to local crisis centers, shelters, and charities.

The April 14 musical program at St Francis centers around the themes of Lent and promises to be a deeply moving experience, said Ms Tubridy, noting it is a time for quiet reflection during the chaos; a time to listen, as Easter approaches.

“We’re all so busy, I encourage people to think of the concert as a gift to themselves. It’s a time to take an hour to sit and think about the season,” said Ms Tubridy.

The Lenten concert was recently performed and well-received at Notre Dame parish in Easton, where Ms Tubridy is the music director. The program includes some of Ms Tubridy’s original compositions such as “Christ My Shield,” a song based on St Patrick’s breastplate prayer. In addition, several hymns — both familiar and unfamiliar — will touch the spirit.

St Francis of Assisi Church is at 35 Norfield Road. Light refreshments will be served in the parish hall following the concert. For more information, visit the St Francis website at www.sfaparish.com or call 203-227-1341. Those of all faiths are invited to attend.