For the first time ever, the Sistine Chapel Choir from Rome, commonly recognized as “the Pope’s Choir,” is coming to Detroit.
The upcoming visit represents the choir’s first return to the U.S. in more than 30 years. The Sistine Chapel Choir will perform in New York City and Washington, D.C. before the tour culminates in the “Renaissance City” of Detroit on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Detroit Opera House.
“The Sistine Chapel Choir is pleased and honored to return to the United States and to come to the city that today represents a cultural touchstone for the world and the culture of the Renaissance,” stated Maestro Msgr. Massimo Palombella, who leads the Sistine Chapel Choir. “The Choir will bring its cutting-edge research and study of Renaissance music, coming right from the archives of the Sistine Chapel, preserved in the Vatican Library, the largest Renaissance music archive in the world – bringing the very best of the Renaissance that will make up the production of a beautiful concert at the Detroit Opera House.”
As early as the 5th and 6th centuries, there are records of singers being part of the papal entourage. Today, 1,500 years later, the role of the Sistine Chapel Choir, officially known as the Cappella Musicale Pontificia Sistina, remains the same, comprised of a highly-accomplished group of 20 men and 35 boys.
Prior to visiting Detroit, the Sistine Chapel Choir will perform at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Saturday, September 16 and at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, September 20.
“As one of only three cities in the U.S. tour, the Sistine Chapel Choir’s visit to Detroit is a world-class event for our city and speaks to the incredible cultural offerings we have as a destination,” said Larry Alexander, president & CEO, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Tickets go on sale to the public Tuesday, May 30 at 10 a.m. and may be purchased online at michiganopera.org, Ticketmaster, in person at the Michigan Opera Theatre Box Office or by phone at 800-745-3000. For additional event information, visit sistinechapelustour.com.