Press Release: January 9, 2004
SINGERS FROM MENDELSSOHN CHOIR TO SING IN ROME

In late November 2003, singers in the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh learned that the whole choir had been cordially invited by Maestro Sir gilbert Levine KCSG to sing at the Vatican on January 17, 2004. On December 8, Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Music Director Mr. Robert Page held special auditions for interested singers. All seven passed. The next day the little group was named Members of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh by executive director of Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh Vicki Cook.

Five singers from two states decided that to participate in such a once-in-a-lifetime event was an amazing opportunity. The singers paid for every aspect of the trip out of their own pockets. The singers were gratified to receive best wishes from the president of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh board, the chairman of the board, from other board members, and from other board members, and from many fellow singers in the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh who were unable to accompany the Members of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.

The singers feel honoured to be invited to sing for this celebration of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, and his Silver Jubilee (25 years since he was elevated to Pope). The concert is called The Papal Concert of Reconciliation. It is a celebration of the Pope´s efforts to bring reconciliation to the three religions which all share a common bond in their connection to Abraham: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. There will be representatives of all three religions present both in the audience and also in the combined choirs as well.

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will perform Mahler´s Symphony #2 ´Resurrection´ with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh on January 13 in Pittsburgh. Then four days later on January 17th the PSO will perform it again in Rome. They will be joined by The Ankara Polyphonic Choir, The Krakow Philharmonic Choir, and The London Philharmonic Choir, as well as Members of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. Over 200 singers look forward to performing in the combined international choir.

In addition to Mahler, the combined performing arts groups will also be privileged to perform the world premiere of Abraham, a sacred motet for double brass choir and double choir. The text for the piece is taken from the Old Testament, and refers to the fact that God promised Abraham that although he was 99 years old, he would still become the father of many nations.

This work by outstanding American composer John Harbison was commissioned by the PSO, and composed with the generous support of the Knights of Columbus who are also responsible for providing over $500,000 to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra´s trip to the Vatican.

Members of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh eagerly anticipate every aspect of this concert: singing the world premiere of music in the presence of Pope John Paul II, singing under baton of world renowned conductor Gilbert Levine, performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra twice in one week, and singing with such an international group. Finally, it is wonderful that all this in honor of peace and reconciliation between those who are more often at odds than at peace.