On Sunday, April 22, 2018, the Sistine Chapel welcomed its first live concert on the Internet, enabling a worldwide public to see a performance of Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan’s Stabat Mater, reported Vatican News, in English, the following day. Conductor Harry Christophers directed “The Sixteen” British Chorale and the “Britten Sinfonia” chamber music ensemble, which interpreted the work. Christophers praised the acoustic quality of the Sistine Chapel.
Welcoming the public in this famous Chapel of the Vatican, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, prayed that God might touch the heart of all the listeners, so that they may show compassion to those that suffer in today’s world.
Thousands of listeners online heard the concert live, via the Facebook page of Classic FM, causing temporary problems on the site, but ensuring the success of the unique artistic and musical experience.
The Genesis Foundation — created by businessman and philanthropist John Studzinski, to attract young artistic talents — commissioned the work. It received rave reviews during its world premiere in London eighteen months ago.
