Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Czestochowa (Agenzia Fides) – As part of the 19th International Sacred Music Festival “Gaude Mater,” taking place in Czestochowa May 1-6 in honor of the Year of St. Paul and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, on May 6 the Czestochowa Philharmonic will present the Oratorio “Paulus.”
The International Sacred Music Festival “Gaude Mater” of Czestochowa is now one of the most important musical events in Poland, as well as one of the greatest manifestations of sacred music in all Europe. The Festival features performances from 630 artists from 16 countries, including Poland, Italy, England, Austria, United States, Spain, Ukraine, Russia, and Israel.
The Festival is accompanied by study seminars on “Sacredness in Music” and art exhibitions, shows, and various other displays. The artists perform the great works of sacred music from all over the world in the churches and concert halls. The Festival features Orthodox music, Gregorian Chant, and more. The international show is organized by the Center for Cultural Promotion “Gaude Mater” of Czestochowa, under the patronage of the Minister of Culture and National Patrimony, the President of the Polish Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Stanislaw Nowak of Czestochowa, and the Mayor of Czestochowa, Tadeusz Wrona.
“Our Festival is a presentation of the great works of Sacred Music. The idea behind “Gaude Mater” Is to gather these various cultures and religions together through a presentation of sacred music typical of the various religious confessions,” Fides was informed by Malgorzata Nowak, Director of the Center for Cultural Promotion “Gaude Mater” and Executive Director of the International Sacred Music Festival. (MF/SL) (Agenzia Fides 5/5/2009)
