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Catholic World News News Feature

Red Army choir to sing at Pope's anniverary? September 23, 2004

In a dramatic reminder that the Cold War has ended, the Red Army choir is expected to perform at an October 15 concert at the Vatican, honoring Pope John Paul II on the 26th anniversary of his papal election.

Details of the concert have not yet been announced. But Russian diplomats indicate that an agreement is close on the performance by the Alexandrov Choir, better known as the Red Army Choir during the Soviet era.

The renowned choir, which includes instrumentalists among its 200 performers, is named for its founder, Alexander Alexandrov, a Moscow conservatory teacher who assembled the all-male chorus in 1928.

A Russian diplomat serving in Rome, who spoke on condition of anonymity, observed that the planned Vatican appearance by the Russian group was a sign of "the good relations between Russia and the Holy See-- particularly in recent months." He mentioned the Pope's restoration of the icon of Our Lady of Kazan to the Russian Orthodox Church as another clear indication of friendly ties.

The concert would take place in the Paul VI auditorium at the Vatican in the evening of October 15. On the following day, the Pope will celebrate the 26th anniversary of his election. Last year, that date brought a number of celebrations in Rome for the 25th anniversary; this year a relatively quiet observance is planned.

Pope John Paul II has now served longer than all but two other Roman Pontiffs: Pius IX, who reigned from 1846 to 1878, and St. Peter himself, whose pontificate is set by tradition at 34 years or more.