Questions for Msgr. Frisina

What is the origin of the choir?

How did it come to be? The Choir of the Diocese of Rome, is an accomplished choir in residence at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, Italy -- the Pope’s Diocese. Founded in 1984, the choir was created to musically complement major diocesan liturgies, many of which are presided over by the Holy Father as Bishop of Rome.

What will each concert of this series consist of?

The Series will consist of both secular and nonsecular music. The churches will feature an hour and a half of sacred music written my Maestro Monsignor Marco Frisina, including the pieces written for the Beatification Ceremony of Pope John Paul II. The Theaters will present a sacred repertoire as well as a medley of rare Italian songs from the ‘30s to the ‘50s.

How did Monsignor Marco Frisina get involved?

Monsignor Frisina is the founder and musical director of The Choir. In addition, since 1991 he has served as the director of the Liturgical Office of the Vicariate of Rome and Master of the Pontifical Lateran Choir. It is his belief that music can act as a conduit for faith, illuminating the soul and bringing mankind closer to God.

How many members are in the choir? How does one become a member?

There are currently 250 members of this Italian Choir. During this tour, 48 members will come to the USA. In order to become a member of the Choir, each member had to pass both vocal and musical auditions. In addition, because of the close connection between the Choir and the Holy Father they have to show traits of appropriate character and morality.

At which significant Celebrations has the Choir Performed with the Holy Father?

Most recently the Choir voices were heard at the Beatification Ceremony of Pope John Paul II. In Fact, Monsignor Frisina wrote the anthem for the event “Open the Doors to Christ: Hymn to the Blessed John Paul II.” The Choir has also performed at Papal Liturgies and in many significant celebrations including at the Beatification Ceremonies for Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta, the singing in the Vatican at Saint Peter’s Basilica during the final farewell to Pope John Paul II, the yearly Mass on Palm Sunday, the Presbyterial Ordinations, and at the feast of Corpus Christi. It has also graced the liturgies of the Great Jubilee of 2000, the opening and the closing of the Holy Door in the Lateran Basilica, the 17th International Eucharistic Congress, the 15th World Youth Day, and the Third Jubilee of Families in 2000: a world meeting of the Holy Father with Catholic families.

Italian Music is so internationally recognized. Has the Choir sang with other Italian celebrities?

Yes, their collaborations over the years have been internationally recognized and abundant. Acclaimed pairings have included artists such as Italian superstar Mina and Andrea Bocelli for whom Mnsg. Frisina composed and arranged pieces from the most celebrated repertory of classical music. Recently Andrea Bocelli, performed the Maestro’s rearrangement of Bach’s “Loben den Herren” at Carnegie Hall.

Why is this the first time it’s coming to America? And why specifically, to New York, Connecticut and New Jersey?

The Choir has appeared throughout Italy as well as in Germany, Austria, France, Malta, Poland, Czech Republic and Israel, but it really was the work of N. Larry Paragano that was the driving force behind the Choir’s trip to America. Obviously, it takes a great deal of dedication of time and money to present a choir of this nature and this has been a concert a few years in the making. Mr. Paragano first became acquainted with the choir while at the rededication of his home-town church, St. Nazario Church, in Camella, Italy.

How did the Community Fund of New Jersey get involved?

Because of the financial obligations for this type of tour, and the need for sponsors to help with the project, Mr. Paragano got involved with the Community Foundation to help provide tax deductible donations and contributions for Sponsors.

How Can I learn more about the Choir and Msgr. Frisina?

Visit the Choir’s website at www.thechoir.it or Monsignor Frisina’s site at www.marcofrisina.com

Tweet