TOUR TO PALESTRINA AND ROME - MAY 26-30 2023 - UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CHOIR’S 120TH CELEBRATIONS!

On 26th May, a group of 47 - 26 boy choristers, 14 Gentlemen, 5 Chaperones, our Choir Director and Cathedral Administrator flew to Rome. And, of course, many Parents independently made their way there too.
First stop was a wonderful afternoon in the City of Palestrina: a visit to the Museo Casa Natale, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, the special opportunity of singing at all Palestrina programme – Missa Papae Marcelli, Ave Maria and Exsultate Deo – in the beautiful Cathedral in Palestrina (Duomo di Palestrina; Cattedrale di Sant'Agapito martire) and the opportunity to meet the Director and members of the Fondazione Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.

On a day of sight-seeing – Roman Rome – the Choir and friends were warmly welcomed by Fr Paul Finnerty to a reception and to sing at Mass at the Pontifical Irish College.

And then it was time to baton down the hatches and get ready for an early start to be in St Peter’s Basilica robed and seated by 8.30am for a rehearsal with the Sistine Chapel Choir under Monsignor Pavan and the Guido Choir under Fr Ramon before singing a 20 minute programme before Mass and joining in singing at the Papal Mass for the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday 28th May celebrated by Pope Francis. And then some much needed gelato and a most enjoyable visit to the Leondardo da Vinci museum.

On Monday, after a visit to the Baths of Caracalla and St Paul Outside The Walls, the Choir gave a recital, generously hosted by the Irish Ambassador to the Holy See, Frances Collins, in the exquisite Basilica of San Silvestro in Capite. And, on Tuesday, some last minute sight-seeing and shopping – Piazza Navona, Roman Stadium under the Piazza and the Pantheon and a last slice or two of piazza before heading to the airport with our wonderful guide Massimo. 

A wonderful tour - WE WILL BE BACK!