A legacy of Song: The Founder of the Roma Youth Choir Reflects
Founded in 1984, just following the Jubilee of the Redemption in 1983, the Roma Youth Choir arose from a specific need: to provide a musical ensemble readily available to serve the dioceses and, crucially, the Pope himself – a resource previously lacking.The founder gathered young, dedicated singers from Roman parishes with this initial purpose in mind. However, the choir quickly evolved, becoming a powerful instrument for evangelization accessible to all.
As the jubilee of Hope unfolds, the choir’s role is to amplify the spirit of the occasion. “Music is jubilation, it is joy, it is prayer that is experienced together,” the founder explains. He describes the choir as a “family singing together,” mirroring the Church in celebratory praise, and emphasizing music’s capacity to nurture hope through communal prayer and mutual encouragement.
The choir’s evangelizing potential is central to its mission. The founder believes communities can leverage music beyond liturgical settings, utilizing concerts and musical meditations – particularly around major holidays like Christmas and Easter – to explore both the musical repertoire and the biblical texts that inspire it. “Music opens the heart of even a non-believer, of a person far from the parish, from the liturgy, from the faith,” he states, highlighting its ability to draw in those who might not otherwise engage with religious life. This philosophy extends to the founder’s broader work, encompassing compositions for television, theater, and symphonic performances, all connected to the Word of God or the lives of the saints.
Maintaining the tradition of sacred music is also paramount. The founder advocates for a balance between preserving the richness of the past and embracing contemporary expression. He cites the Gospel’s call to “bring new and old things out of the treasure,” emphasizing that the Church’s strength lies in its ability to transmit its heritage across generations. Integrating Gregorian chant and ancient polyphony with modern musical styles, he believes, creates a valuable continuity.
Looking back over 41 years, the founder cherishes the numerous services performed for diocesan liturgies, particularly those shared with Pope John Paul II. He fondly recalls composing oratories for the Pope and preparing music for significant events like the Jubilee of 2000 and World Youth Day 2000. More recently, the choir animated Masses with Pope Leo during the Youth Jubilee and performed concerts in the Paul VI Hall. He also remembers contributing to celebrations surrounding the canonizations of figures like Mother teresa, John Paul II, Pier Giorgio Frassati, and Carlo Acutis. Ultimately, he describes these memories as a testament to the beauty of sharing profound moments of prayer and celebration with the Church of rome through the power of song.
