London Oratory schola sings Gregorian chant, polyphony at St. Peter’s Basilica

February 25, 2013

At the 10:30 Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica that preceded Pope Benedict’s final Sunday Angelus address, the schola cantorum of the London Oratory School joined the basilica’s own choir in chanting the Kyrie, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei. The London Oratory School’s schola also sang works by the English Renaissance composer William Byrd, while the basilica’s choir--the Cappella Giulia--chanted the Mass propers.

After his Angelus address, Pope Benedict offered “a warm greeting to all the English-speaking visitors present for this Angelus prayer, especially the schola cantorum of the London Oratory School.” Later in the day, the schola and the Cappella Giulia returned to St. Peter’s Basilica to sing at Vespers.

“Under the pontificate of Benedict XVI there has been a particular focus on the relationship of the liturgy and music and this remarkable heritage, and it’s grown to ever greater prominence,” said Charles Cole, the schola’s director. “Music and the liturgy have been given a huge boost under his pontificate, and that will last for a long time to come.”

 

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Further information:

• Benedict XVI, the London Oratory and 'musical evangelization' (Vatican Radio)
• Schola sings Mass and Vespers at St Peter’s, Sunday 24 February (CharlesCole.com)