Bethlehem: the choirs of the Magnificat together with the Clairière Choir of the Conservatory of Italian Switzerland for Christmas Mass

With their voices they enlivened the Midnight Mass in Bethlehem, in the Church of the Nativity, singing in front of the Custos of the Holy Land, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, numerous religious and political leaders and thousands of faithful who had come from all over the world to experience Christmas in the Place where it had occurred.

They were the members of the Yasmeen Choir from the Magnificat Institute together with the Choir of the Custody of the Holy Land, this year accompanied by the Clairière Choir of the Conservatory of Italian Switzerland. For the first time a Mass in Arabic for choir, trumpet and organ was performed, composed by Father Armando Pierucci. In addition, the young members of the Clairière Choir accompanied the different rites and moments of the celebration with the most popular Christmas carols, several sacred songs from the Byzantine tradition and various passages from their extensive repertoire of sacred music. Playing the trumpet was the young musician Stefano Galante.

The collaboration between the Choirs was made possible by the Magnificat Institute of the Custody of the Holy Land and the Friends of the Magnificat Association. ATS pro Terra Sancta continues to enthusiastically support the experience of dialogue and peace that this musical institute, located in the heart of the Old City and open to children and youth from all backgrounds, continues to advance.

In the hope that the universal message of music can continue to overcome cultural, religious and language barriers, we invite all of the Friends of the Holy Land to continue to support the Magnificat and its activities in 2013. To learn more about the project “Magnificat – Music in the Holy City”, visit the dedicated page!