Choruses Play a Prominent Role During Pope Francis' US Visit

September 24, 2015

Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States has grabbed the nation’s headlines, and thousands will flock to Mass and other public events in Washington DC, New York, and Philadelphia. Choruses have proven to be a key component of the papal tour, playing a starring role in many of the festivities and enjoying a flurry of news coverage.

Our roundup page will be updated throughout the Pope’s US visit as we collect additional features on choral music. Please feel free to email stories to [email protected], and if you are a Chorus America member, post coverage of you or your chorus in our Member News section.

Singing for the Pope Series

Around the Web

Washington DC

Ninety-member elite choir tunes up for the pope’s Washington visit
The Washington Post goes behind the scenes with several singers and directors of DC's massed choir during their early rehearsal preparation.

Crafting Music Fit For A Pope At Basilica Of The National Shrine
This feature airing on local NPR affiliate WAMU, produced by a tenor in the choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine, gets the scoop on what it's like for the Basilica's musicians to prepare the music for the Papal Mass.

Music to play starring role in pope's visit to Washington
WBAL TV catches up with choir director Tom Stehle and a couple singers in DC's massed choir to discuss their anticipation for their big performance.

Choir Sings for Pope Francis and President Obama
NBC 4 New York captured the St. Augustine Catholic Church's performance of Richard Smallwood's Total Praise at their White House performance with Pope Francis and President Obama.

New York

Young People's Chorus in Tune with Pope's Visit
Chorus America members the Young People's Chorus of New York City were featured by NY 1 in advance of their performance for the Pope at the 9/11 Memorial.

Choir Prepares To Welcome Pope Francis At Madison Square Garden
CBS New York speaks with choral director Jennifer Pascual and several choristers from New York's massed choir that will sing at Mass in Madison Square Garden on how they are approaching the performance.

Philadelphia

Four New Jersey singers secure coveted choir spots behind Pope Francis
PIX11 TV took an in-depth look at the competitive audition process to sing in Philadelphia's massed choir, dubbing it"Papal Idol."

Philadelphia Papal Choir Rehearses for Pope Performance
ABC 6 interviews music director David Kimock and members of the massed choir in Philadelphia as they begin rehearsals for Mass.