Edition 2: Mater in Memoriam: For Irene

The Mater series was created for use in a multimedia production of Mater in Memoriam: For Irene a requiem for women's voices that was performed in Ventura, CA on June 21, 2003.

Mater was composed by Naomi Stephan in honor of her mother, with lyrics by Sue Moore.

In the composer's notes, Naomi states: "I use female voices to express this most intimate of relationships - starting out as we all do, in the womb of another female. A female voice explores the various moods and emotions of this special relationship, extending through the entire life cycle from birth to death. I don't exclude the male listener, but rather emphasize a female-female dynamic which has been historically neglected in literature, music or the visual arts."

If you are interested in learning more about Mater in Memoriam, would like to listen to excerpts from the piece, or find out about Naomi's other compositions please visit her at www.naomimusic.com.