 The International Association Friends of Sacred Music, now Associzione Internazionale Amici della
Fondazione Pro Musica e Arte Sacra, was founded in January 1996 by Sen. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans-Albert Courtial, a lover and promoter of sacred music, who after over 40 years of' experience in favour of choral music in first place, decided to set up a structure able to manage with efficiency, determination, and professionalism an important heritage of thousands satisfied choirs from all over the world and a devoted Roman audience consisting of about 3000 friends of sacred music.
The idea of setting up this Association, has mainly derived from the need of creating a valid artistic and organizational support to the ever growing international choral and orchestral groups, wishing to perform in the field of sacred music in the most beautiful churches and cathedrals of Italy.
Choirs from all over the world will have the chance to hold concerts in the marvellous setting of the magnificent Italian churches, in particular in the heart of the Eternal City, to make the Roman audience familiar with the choral music of their country, and to perform some of the most famous works of international choral literature. For each choir this experience will surely be a special opportunity foro personal enrichment, an extraordinary artistic stimulus, and above all a reward to their enthusiasm and dedication towards sacred music.
The Amici della Fondazione Pro Musica e Arte Sacra, which is under the artistic direction of Msgr. Pablo Colino, Emeritus Director of Music at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, takes care of all arrangements concerning the concerts, including all technical and legal aspects and public relations.
In particular:
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the choice and reservation of the concert venue in every Italian town (in Rome the concerts generally takeplace in the Basilica of Sant'Ignazio Church in the heart of the town); |
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announcements of the concerts in the most important local and national newspapers and magazines; |
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issues related to the authorizations by the competent civil and religious authority; |
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the printing and posting of the bills announcing the concert; |
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the printing of concerts programmes which will be distributed to the audience; |
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assistance by specialized staff during the concert. |
On request:
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rental of every kind of music instruments; |
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organizations of a local orchestra of soloists, etc.; |
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photographer and recording audio and/or video. |
The association is also able to organize that the choirs could to sing the liturgy at the High Mass in St. Peter's Basilica and in other churches in Rome and in Italy, and to participate with a song in the Holy Father's General Audience.
Choirs interested in performing concerts must submit their
request to the International Association of Friends of the
Foundation Pro Musica Sacra. Please send by email a brief
curriculum of the choir and the director (preferably in
English), a recent recording, and the proposed musical
program. All materials must be submitted at least two months
prior to the concert date.
Furthermore, the Association promotes international choral
competitions and parades that have gained great renown and
reached increasingly high standards over the years. The goal is
to demonstrate the unifying power of music in promoting contact
between different cultures, peoples, and traditions.
Key events include:
The Choral Music Festival "Europe ... and its songs":
created to celebrate European folk songs. Choirs from all over
the world with European folk music in their repertoire can
participate. The festival takes place in the beautiful city of
Barcelona (Spain).
Parades:
the Association organizes parades in the historic centers of
Rome and other Italian cities. These are extraordinary events
where folklore, music, and joy take center stage, giving bands
the chance to bring their music to the heart of the Eternal
City.
The Association also supports the Fondazione Pro Musica e
Arte Sacra in its activities and events, particularly
the Festival Internazionale di Musica e Arte Sacra,
held annually in Rome with the participation of the Vienna
Philharmonic (Wiener Philharmoniker).
Contact us! Don't miss the opportunity to join our Association
to perform with your choir your own concert in Italy and to take
part in our international competitions!
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