Thursday, March 3, 2011

Chamber Singers to perform in Rome


The Chamber Singers will perform in Rome as part of their 2011 Concert Tour. A highlight of the tour will include the performance of two new compositions — by SMU Music faculty — at St. Peter’s Basilica March 11.

The 25-voice select ensemble is directed by Dr. Patrick M. O’Shea, associate professor of music.

Tour performances will include the following liturgies and concerts:

  • Parish of S. Giovanni Battista De La Salle – 6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday, March 9
  • Basilica of St. Peter, Vatican – 5 p.m. Mass, Friday, March 11
  • Collegio S. Giuseppe de Merode – 11:30 a.m. Concert, Saturday, March 12
  • Parish of Santa Susanna – 10:30 a.m. Mass, Sunday, March 13

The concert at S. Giuseppe is free and open to the public, and guests are welcome at the various liturgies. Repertoire will include a cappella works by Palestrina, Monteverdi, Kevin Siegfried, Moses Hogan, and world premieres of Preghiera Semplice (Prayer of St. Francis), composed by A. Eric Heukeshoven, and O Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, composed by Dr. O’Shea especially for this tour.

Before departure, the Chamber Singers will sing as the guest choir for Mass at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago. Upon their return, they will present a free “Homecoming Concert” in Winona at the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 7th and Vila streets, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17.

For more information, call Ext.1598.