The renowned Sistine Chapel Choir, known as the Pope’s Choir, delivered a historic performance at the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. This marked the choir’s first-ever performance in the UAE, captivating an audience with its rich history and musical mastery.
Key Takeaways
- The Sistine Chapel Choir, the world’s longest-running chorale, performed in the UAE for the first time.
- The event was hosted by Abu Dhabi Festival and The Apostolic Nunciature to UAE.
- The choir’s history is rooted in the Renaissance era, featuring compositions from legendary composers.
- The performance included both adult professionals and children, known as the Pueri Cantores.
- The event highlighted the UAE’s commitment to peace, diversity, and human fraternity.
A Historic Concert
The Sistine Chapel Choir, with a legacy spanning 1,500 years, performed a historic concert at the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island. The choir, usually reserved for papal functions, made its debut in the UAE, leaving the audience in awe with their performance.
As the choir members walked through the red carpet into the prayer hall of St. Francis Church, the atmosphere was electric. The audience, which included ministers, high-ranking officials, ambassadors, bishops, nuns, and distinguished community members, was visibly moved by the choir’s majestic voices.
A Blend of Tradition and Talent
The performance began with a Gregorian chant, ‘Victimae paschali laudes,’ setting the tone for an evening of classical masterpieces. The choir, comprising 28 boys and 21 adults, performed compositions from renowned composers such as Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Giuseppe Liberto, Lorenzo Perosi, Tomás Luis de Victoria, and Domenico Bartolucci.
The audience was particularly surprised to see children among the singers, adding a unique dimension to the performance. The choir’s director, Monsignor Marcos Pavan, noted that being part of the Pope’s Choir is a prestigious honor, with the boys selected through a rigorous process.
A Celebration of Human Fraternity
The event was more than just a musical performance; it was a celebration of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence. Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and artistic director of Abu Dhabi Festival, emphasized that the event reflects the UAE’s commitment to peace and common coexistence.
Archbishop El-Kassis highlighted the close relations between the Holy See and the UAE, marking the concert as a significant milestone in promoting the principles of human fraternity. The event also contextualized the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the UAE in February 2019, which holds both global and local significance.
An Unforgettable Evening
The choir performed twelve pieces, each met with standing ovations from the audience. Just when the audience thought the performance was over, Monsignor Marcos Pavan announced a final piece, ‘Tu es petrus,’ which received an even greater response.
The Sistine Chapel Choir’s historic performance in Abu Dhabi was a testament to the power of music in bridging cultures and promoting peace. It was an evening that left a lasting impression on all who attended, celebrating the rich heritage and sacred traditions of the church.
