Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
“Ubi Caritas et Amor (Deus ibi Est.)” was originally commissioned by the 2023/24 Bel Canto Women’s Choir, directed by Prof. Brandon DiNoto. This orchestral arrangement was created for the 2025 APU Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Christopher Russell and premiered at Azusa Pacific University on October 26, 2025.
The title, "Ubi Caritas et Amor (Deus ibi Est)" is from an ancient chant which means: “Where charity and love are, God is there.” The original chant is very much focused on the beauty of God and God’s creation, but I wanted to focus on the mystery of God. You’ll hear some dissonant textures throughout the orchestra and big, grandiose chords, as well as hand chimes at the end, which are meant to add to a more ancient sound to the orchestration. I’m very grateful to Professor Brandon DiNoto, who first commissioned the piece for choir, and to Professor Russell and the APU Symphony Orchestra for bringing this new version to life.
Listen to the choir version here: laurenbiggsmusic.com/music-catalog/ubi-caritas
Premiered: APU Symphony Orchestra Concert: American Festival
Conductor: Christopher Russell
Venue: Upper Turner Campus Center, Azusa Pacific University
Date: October 26, 2025
♬♩♪♩
BUY MY MUSIC: laurenbiggsmusic.com
MY LINKS: solo.to/laureliamadeus
BUY ME A COFFEE:
ko-fi.com/laureliamadeus
♬♩♪♩
“Ubi Caritas et Amor (Deus ibi Est.)” was originally commissioned by the 2023/24 Bel Canto Women’s Choir, directed by Prof. Brandon DiNoto. This orchestral arrangement was created for the 2025 APU Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Christopher Russell and premiered at Azusa Pacific University on October 26, 2025.
The title, "Ubi Caritas et Amor (Deus ibi Est)" is from an ancient chant which means: “Where charity and love are, God is there.” The original chant is very much focused on the beauty of God and God’s creation, but I wanted to focus on the mystery of God. You’ll hear some dissonant textures throughout the orchestra and big, grandiose chords, as well as hand chimes at the end, which are meant to add to a more ancient sound to the orchestration. I’m very grateful to Professor Brandon DiNoto, who first commissioned the piece for choir, and to Professor Russell and the APU Symphony Orchestra for bringing this new version to life.
Listen to the choir version here: laurenbiggsmusic.com/music-catalog/ubi-caritas
Premiered: APU Symphony Orchestra Concert: American Festival
Conductor: Christopher Russell
Venue: Upper Turner Campus Center, Azusa Pacific University
Date: October 26, 2025
♬♩♪♩
BUY MY MUSIC: laurenbiggsmusic.com
MY LINKS: solo.to/laureliamadeus
BUY ME A COFFEE:
ko-fi.com/laureliamadeus
♬♩♪♩
