For 137 years, the Bilbao Choral Society have been singing throughout Europe. On March 12, they sang in St. Peter's Basilica for the first time ever.
ENRIQUE AZURZA
Choir Director
We sing in many Masses, but of course, coming to the Vatican was incredibly emotional. We never imagined that we would be able to be here singing in the Giulia Chapel in St. Peter's Basilica. As you can imagine, it was a thrill.
This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the Royal Spanish Academy in the Eternal City. An important person for the history of the Academy is Valentín María de Zubiaurre, who was the Academy's first intern in Rome. Valentín composed the music for the show entitled, 'The Passion,' according to St. Matthew, which had never been performed until now.
The choir also performed in the Church of St. Peter in Montorio and in the Spanish National Church of Santiago and Montserrat.
IÑIGO ALBERDI
Manager, Bilbao Choral Society
It's a challenge because there are no references. But because of the type of music, in a way, we have some references to the music of that time. However, we don't have references specific to this work. We recorded the piece this year. We relied on our experience of that kind of music and, above all, on how the music inspires us. In the end, it was the strength of the music.
The group met with Fr. Pablo Colino, the Prefect of Music to the Holy See.
The Spanish Ambassador to the Holy See was also present for the choir's performance during the Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. At the end of their performance, she greeted the choir members.
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