PROVIDENCE —The Gregorian Concert Choir, under the direction of Msgr. Anthony Mancini, will perform a concert to benefit Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s “Keep the Heat On” challenge, Feb 28, 3 p.m., in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, One Cathedral Square.
Msgr. Mancini emphasized the importance of the “Keep the Heat On” program in helping to keep a growing number of less fortunate Rhode Island families warm during the winter months.
"Especially in these difficult economic times, the need for assistance for heat and utilities is even more pressing,” he said. “The requests are growing in number every day. This benefit concert gives us an opportunity to use the great musical heritage of the church to assist the needy. Each of us involved can utilize to serve God by serving our neighbor.”
The Gregorian Concert Choir will be joined by the choir of Cranston High School West, and will be accompanied by Philip Faraone, organist, and the 25-member Festival Orchestra.
Selections to be performed include “Mass in G” by Franz Schubert, considered to be a jewel of the choral repertoire; and “Jubilee Te Deum,” composed by Msgr. Mancini for the Jubilee Year 2000. The musical composition premiered at a choral music symposium held in Calabria, Italy. The “Te Deum” is an ancient hymn of praise and thanksgiving.
The concert will also include several American classics such as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”; and “Shall We Gather at the River?”
For Gregorian Concert Choir member Georgette Hutchins, participating in the annual benefit concert is a pleasure.
“It’s even more of a pleasure because we’re helping people,” she emphasized. “It’s entertainment, but it also has a purpose behind it — that’s why it’s so special.”
Hutchins, an alto, and Ron Rathier, a tenor, who has been singing at the cathedral for more than 50 years, have been members of the Gregorian Concert Choir since its inception 20 years ago.
“This is an nice thing to do for the people who really need our help,” he said. “Sometimes we forget how blessed we are. The concert price is very affordable and all the proceeds go to help the needy of our state.”
Faraone described the 60 young voices from Cranston High School West as “very capable” and added that the students have been practicing for several weeks, often arriving at 6:30 a.m. to practice before classes.
“They are honored to be singing with the Gregorian Concert Choir, and happy to be with the conductor and composer of one of the pieces,” he added. “It’s exciting for them.”
“The sounds just blended beautifully,” Faraone said, adding that there are 100 voices in the combined choirs. Tickets may be purchased at the door or at the Cathedral rectory. For more information, call (401) 331-2434; or visit the Web site: www.heatri.com.
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