Fordham University hosts an encore performance of Ordina questo amore, O tu che m’ami: Recitative for Four Voices; Ignatius, Francis Xavier, Peter Faber and Chorus, a poem written by Daniel Berrigan, S.J., poet-in-residence at Fordham University, on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in Franny’s Space, Lowenstein Center, Lincoln Center campus.
Father Berrigan and Father Drance on stage at the University Church. Photo by Chris Taggart
The performance is part of Ignatian Awareness Week, a series of events and celebrations on the Lincoln Center campus that promote the rich heritage of the Jesuits. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham University, commissioned Father Berrigan to write the recitative to commemorate the 2006 Jesuit Jubilee year; the poem had its premiere Dec. 10 at the University Church on the Rose Hill campus.
“Father Berrigan is the most accomplished Jesuit poet of our time,” said Father McShane. “I am confident that this poetic tribute to Saint Ignatius, Saint Francis Xavier and Blessed Peter Faber will long be remembered as the most significant artistic achievement of the Ignatian Year.”
The poem will be performed by six Fordham students and directed by George Drance, S.J., artist-in-residence in the Department of Theatre and Visual Arts. The original musical score was composed by Elizabeth Swados, a five-time Tony nominee who has written extensively for theater, television and film.
Father Berrigan has previously published 15 volumes of poetry. His first book of poems, Time Without Number (MacMillan, 1957) was nominated for the National Book Award.
– Janet Sassi
