GAUDEAMUS MUSIC MINSITRY, INC.
OUR STORY AND DREAMS
It has been a remarkable journey, both
professionally and spiritually, for the musicians of Gaudeamus.
Established in 1997 by Constance Cannon, Gaudeamus is a
Christian faith-based ensemble of professional musicians with a
passion for sharing their God-given talents through concerts and
recordings to help those in need.
In 1990, the ensemble first performed what has
evolved into an annual Christmas concert at Epiphany of Our Lord
Church (Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania). The growing popularity of
this venue inspired the group to expand its schedule to multiple
concerts at churches of various denominations throughout the
Philadelphia area. Today, Gaudeamus performances attract
audiences in excess of 5,000 people annually and the group's five
CDs have sold more than 12,000 copies.
Motivated by gospel values, the Gaudeamus mission is
to inspire its audiences through music to contribute philanthropic
support and to encourage other forms of community outreach. The
group has raised more than $160,000 through free-will concert
donations, CD sales, and private contributions. Directing these
funds to organizations supporting education and children's medical
research has been an edifying experience for the musicians, its
volunteers, and the Gaudeamus Board of Directors.
The musicians' goal is simply to reach as many
people as possible, using their performances as an occasion to
generate financial support and spiritual assistance. Whether
Gaudeamus performs for a small audience of cancer patients or a
filled church, their mission remains steadfast.
Gaudeamus is Latin for "let us rejoice." And
the musicians do, both in their gifts from God and the opportunity
to serve others. Gaudeamus plans to continue its ministry of
touching lives through music and to travel this remarkable road of
sharing time, talent, and treasure.
Gaudeamus' 6th CD, "Passages," is a musical
reflection of the path that each of us follows, morning to night, on
the journey through life.
Each piece was selected for its unique revelation of
life's important passages, people, places, and events. The eclectic
mix of inspirational, classical, and sacred music allows both the
musicians and the listener to reflect upon life through a broad
range of emotions . . . from the lyrical melody in Morning Has
Broken to the subtle intensity of the Moonlight Sonata.
The Cradle Song is a tender tribute to Anthony Pirollo,
Sr. and The Old Man is lovingly sung in memory of John P.
Agnew, Sr. Goin' Home, a traditional Negro spiritual melody,
made famous in Anton Dvorak's New World Symphony, is thematically
based on the hope of reuniting with those we love in heaven. We hope
that in some small way, this piece honors the memory of Msgr. James
F. Baldrick, and all those loved ones who have gone before us.
Our prayer is that you will be emotionally and
spiritually enriched by this musical experience and in doing so,
will join us as we embrace "where we have been," and "where we are
going."
Constance M. Cannon
Executive/Musical Director
Gaudeamus Music Ministry, Inc.
