The Jubilee Year 2025 represents an important moment also in reference to sacred music: in fact, it is the 500th anniversary of the birth of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594), considered one of the greatest composers of polyphonic music and the most important representative of the Schola Romana of the 16th century. On this special occasion, some sacred music choirs will sing motets by the Maestro at St. Peter's. Palestrina, Palestrina, in fact, held the post of Maestro di Cappella at the main patriarchal basilicas for over 40 years, but his musical production is especially linked to the Papal Basilica.
Starting on the 18th of April at 4:30 p.m., and for a further six dates that will always take place on Thursday afternoon, the participating choirs will perform a moment of spiritual elevation with pieces by Palestrina. Then, at 5 p.m., the same choir will animate the Eucharistic celebration with music by the Renaissance composer and the other composers of the Schola Romana. The listening will be introduced by a Canon of St Peter's who will read his own spiritual reflection on the text of the pieces.
After the first date on Thursday the 18th April, which will feature the "Coro Polifonico San Faustino - Francesco Spingola" from Perugia, conducted by Maestro Daniele Lupo, six more dates will see the groups participating in the initiative perform. It will continue on the 25th of April with the 'Coro 25 April with the "Coro dell'Aventino" of Rome, conducted by Maestro Fabio Avolio, vice-director of the Choir of St. Peter's Basilica, on the 6th of June with the "Corale Sine Nomine" of Teramo and on the 11th of July with the "Corale Nostra Signora di Fatima" of Rimini. In October there will be two appointments: the first on the 10th of October with the "St. Olov's Chamber Ensemble" from Sweden and the second, which will exceptionally take place on Tuesday the 15th with the "Roskilde Cathedral Boys Choir" from Denmark. The last choir to perform will be the "Corale of Sant' Agata Bolognese" from Bologna, conducted by Maestro Gianlorenzo Curati, on the 5th of December 2024.
To communicate your adhesion to the initiative and for the approval of the polyphonic pieces please, kindly contact Maestro Fabio Avolio (tel. +39 3392772253; e-mail: info.avolio@gmail.com).
