The Meritáge Vocal Arts Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Sheridan Ball, presents their opening concert of the 2014-15 season, “Meritáge Cornucopia - mit Kuchen,” which promises a delightful afternoon of music with coffee (or soft drinks) and desserts. This event will feature new compositions by popular current composers such as Z. Randell Stroope, Eric Whitacre, Dan Forrest, Daniel Gawthrop and a relative newcomer to the scene, Norwegian composer, Ola Gjeilo. In bold contrast to these contemporary selections, Meritáge will also harken back to the 1898 debut of Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic Stabat Mater, at the Grand Opera in Paris. Here is all the surging power of one of history’s greatest composers encapsulated in 12 minutes of soaring musical tapestry. This poignant musical portrayal of Mary, at the foot of the cross, is wrought with dramatic, emotional possibilities that Verdi exploits with all the skill of a consummate operatic composer. In addition to the diverse choral offerings, the program will also feature several soloists from the Meritage ensemble. Meritáge Cornucopia is designed to offer a veritable feast of musical offerings that will intrigue, stimulate and entertain the audience’s eclectic musical palate. The performance will take place in the beautiful acoustic setting of the Anaheim United Methodist Church located at 1000 S. State College Boulevard in Anaheim. Tickets are $20 for general admission to the concert, which also includes the coffee, soft drinks and desserts to be served during the 2nd half of the concert. Tickets may be ordered in advance at the website: Meritage-VocalArts.org or can be purchased at the door. Seating is on a first come first served basis, so patrons are encouraged to arrive early for preferred seating. The Meritáge Vocal Arts Ensemble is a chamber choir of approximately 45 auditioned singers. The members of Meritáge are highly skilled, experienced choral musicians capable of performing a diverse body of repertoire ranging from polyphonic European concert music to the contemporary textures of American Jazz. Under the leadership of their talented and highly respected artistic director, Dr. Sheridan Ball, the group presents performances notable for their artistic interpretation of an eclectic and diverse choral repertoire.