Wednesday night found us in Heaven - just another night in Assisi....
A flyer was circulating around Assisi, advertising a free concert at the Basilica of San Francesco. The Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah, would be performing works of Palestrina, Bach and Poulenc in addition to others at six o'clock on Wednesday.
So, Jack, Marie and I set out into the early evening, the sky above us a shade of sapphire blue that only happens up here in the hills. With tour busses long gone, Assisi lent herself willingly to all who would appreciate her. We strolled our way down to the Piazza San Francesco and entered the magnificent, Gothic-styled thirteenth century Upper Basilica where we took our seats in anticipation of the start of the concert. And then, the organ started, the choir walked in softly and took their places. Men, and children of all ages, donned in choir robes, fanned out across the front altar of what is considered to be the most beautiful and famous in the world. Powerful voices of young people handled difficult lyrics and hauntingly beautiful music skillfully. What an honor and privilege to be sitting in that seat in one of the world's most beautiful places. Eyes closed. To say it was dream-like would be accurate. Yikes.
The concert was one of three that this group is giving in Italy as part of the International Pilgrimage/Performance Tour. Their school is a private, K-8 combination of education and music, and is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. The choir was established in 1966 with music education fashioned after the European Choir School model. Acceptance to the school, therefore, includes a process of determining from an early age, a child's vocal abilities as well as academic. I only hope that the young people in this group realize how very fortunate they are and that they will keep the memory of their visit to Italy in their minds and hearts forever.
A huge thank you to the Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine and to the parents and teachers who made this possible. Travel safe!
A flyer was circulating around Assisi, advertising a free concert at the Basilica of San Francesco. The Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah, would be performing works of Palestrina, Bach and Poulenc in addition to others at six o'clock on Wednesday.
So, Jack, Marie and I set out into the early evening, the sky above us a shade of sapphire blue that only happens up here in the hills. With tour busses long gone, Assisi lent herself willingly to all who would appreciate her. We strolled our way down to the Piazza San Francesco and entered the magnificent, Gothic-styled thirteenth century Upper Basilica where we took our seats in anticipation of the start of the concert. And then, the organ started, the choir walked in softly and took their places. Men, and children of all ages, donned in choir robes, fanned out across the front altar of what is considered to be the most beautiful and famous in the world. Powerful voices of young people handled difficult lyrics and hauntingly beautiful music skillfully. What an honor and privilege to be sitting in that seat in one of the world's most beautiful places. Eyes closed. To say it was dream-like would be accurate. Yikes.
The concert was one of three that this group is giving in Italy as part of the International Pilgrimage/Performance Tour. Their school is a private, K-8 combination of education and music, and is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. The choir was established in 1966 with music education fashioned after the European Choir School model. Acceptance to the school, therefore, includes a process of determining from an early age, a child's vocal abilities as well as academic. I only hope that the young people in this group realize how very fortunate they are and that they will keep the memory of their visit to Italy in their minds and hearts forever.
A huge thank you to the Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine and to the parents and teachers who made this possible. Travel safe!
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