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Sistine Chapel's Sacred Sounds: A New Angelic Composition
23 Mar
Summary
- A rare concert premiered an oratorio about biblical angels in the Sistine Chapel.
- The 70-minute composition, "Angels Unawares," features 12 biblical stories.
- The event was invite-only, with limited access for media.
In a rare event, the Sistine Chapel became the venue for the premiere of a new oratorio titled "Angels Unawares" on Sunday evening. The 70-minute composition, featuring 12 distinct pieces, delves into biblical narratives centered on interactions with angels. Sir James MacMillan composed the music, utilizing texts from the late Robert Willis, former Dean of Canterbury.
The genesis of this significant work stemmed from a desire to create a powerful musical tribute to holy angels. John Studzinski of the Genesis Foundation, who commissioned the piece, noted the profound impact of Willis's texts on MacMillan's composition. The oratorio aims to capture the multifaceted roles of angels as messengers, mentors, and motivators, drawing inspiration from their biblical portrayals.
The performance featured the British choir The Sixteen and the Britten Sinfonia orchestra. Attendees, including notable figures like Prime Minister Mark Carney and former Prime Minister Theresa May, were present. The concert's theme of welcoming strangers, inspired by scripture, was a central message of the oratorio. This composition is set to reach a wider audience through a BBC radio broadcast next week.
