Indiana University student violinists raised nearly $5,000 to support pregnant women in need after hosting a classical music concert at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Carmel on April 5. Around 50 locals attended.
Musica Vitae, which is “a culture-changing initiative affirming the beauty and value of human life through elegant, high-quality classical chamber music performances,” was founded in 2023 by violinists Catherine Woods and Daniella Lombardi, both students at the IU Bloomington Jacobs School of Music.
“As young artists in a world struggling to identify the purpose of beauty, performing concerts that cultivate an artistic culture of life is one of the most powerful things we can do,” Woods said. “It was a joy watching the Carmel community come together around a shared love of life, service, and music. Everyone was so engaged and so incredibly grateful. For me as the musician, it is awe-inspiring to witness what can happen when you let God take control.”
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Their first two concerts benefited the Women’s Care Center in Bloomington. Their most recent concert supported the Great Lakes Gabriel Project, a pro-life nonprofit that offers emotional, spiritual, material and financial support for pregnant women in need.
According to Greek Lakes Gabriel Project Executive Director Linda Kile, funds will go toward the organization’s new pregnancy resource center, 1st Choice for Women, which will open in Indianapolis on June 14.
The evening’s musicians, which included three violinists and a pianist, played selections from Ludomir Różycki, Ottoriono Respighi, Amy Beach and Friedrich Hermann. The music was followed by a reception hosted by Ben Ice, Great Lakes Regional Coordinator of Students for Life.
“We intend to continue providing high quality concert experiences that celebrate all human life, build pro-life networks, and inspire individuals to take action,” Woods continued. “We are based in Indiana but we intend to partner with other passionate pro-life artists, spreading our mission to the Great Lakes area and beyond.”
Musica Vitae will host their next concert on Sept. 21 at McGowan Hall in Indianapolis to benefit the Indiana pro-life nonprofit, Voices for Life.
Those interested can visit musicavitae.org for a list of upcoming events.
Melanie Lyon received her BA in English from Indiana University South Bend. She is the executive director and co-founder of the Indiana pro-life nonprofit, Voices for Life. She lives in South Bend, Indiana with her husband, son, and four cats.