Highlights from the Fox Valley Festival Chorus Performances at the Vatican and Other Cities in Italy
It is often said that "all roads lead to Rome" and in June, 2017 members of the Fox Valley Festival Chorus and the Fox Valley Festival Chorus Brass arrived in the “Eternal City” to commence a 10-day performance tour of Italy. The Chorus began this tour singing at a Saturday evening Vatican Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica.
The Chorus and accompanying Brass next traveled to Assisi, where they sang a High Mass in the Upper Basilica of Saint Francis. The Chorus was presented a certificate of appreciation from the Friars of Saint Francis.
Continuing through Italy, the Chorus and Brass performed two concerts for appreciative audiences in Florence. The first performance featured a compilation of sacred music, and the second concert showcased Broadway show tunes.
The final performance of the Chorus in Italy was a liturgy at the Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice. Built in the 10th century, the massive Basilica San Marco has a 4.2 second reverberation factor, perfect for antiphonal choral music. The service concluded with the Fox Valley Festival Chorus Brass performance of Giovanni Gabrieli’s Canzona per Sonare No. 2 ringing throughout the Basilica.
While not performing, members of the Chorus enjoyed Italy’s artistic heritage, historic significance, splendid cuisine and remarkable beauty traveling from Rome to Assisi, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence and Venice.
Singers, accompanists, family and friends pose for a group photo in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.
Led by Director Mary Beth McCarthy, the Fox Valley Festival Chorus and Brass were honored to perform during Mass in the Vatican at Saint Peter's Basilica.
The Fox Valley Festival Chorus performs at Mass in the Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice; followed by a performance of the Fox Valley Festival Brass.
Singers, accompanists, family and friends pose for a group photo in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.
After the Chorus performance at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, the following certificate was presented to Director Mary Beth McCarthy:
From the Holy Papal Basilica of Assisi and the Tomb of Saint Francis
To Fox Valley Festival Chorus
With gratitude full of joy and hope
Peace and Love
Blessed Francis Order of Friars Minor