NEWS

'Alma Mater – Music From The Vatican', the album featuring the voice of Pope Benedict XVI, was officially launched today at a press conference held at the Palazzo Sentorio in Rome for the world’s media.

Vatican representatives at the press conference were Father Lombardi, Director of Vatican Radio and of the Vatican Television Centre, Father Vito Fracchiolla, President of Paulines Apostolate and Father Giulio Neroni , theological Producer, plus Monsignor Pablo Colino, Master of Music for St Peter’s Basilica, choirmaster and the longest serving member of the Vatican. Also on the panel of speakers were Vincent Messina, album producer, Colin Barlow, President Of Geffen Records UK and the two composers on the Alma Mater album, Simon Boswell and Stefano Mainetti. Nour Eddine, the Muslim composer on the album was also present. ‘Alma Mater – Music From The Vatican’ will be released on 30 November around the world on Universal labels.

Following the press conference, in the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, the delegates attended a concert, performed by The Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome under the baton of Monsignor Pablo Colino.

The decision of Vatican Radio and the Vatican Television Centre to allow the Paulines to use the Pope's voice and image was approved by the Vatican Secretariat of State, Father Lombardi said:

“The approval came because of Pope Benedict's interest in finding and experimenting with new ways and means for transmitting a religious, spiritual message in this world that needs it so badly. And also to find new ways to bring the voice and the person of the Pope closer to a wider public".

"Music is an effective language for communicating today with a vast public of young people, and not only with them," he said. "And the creative effort of allying both traditional and modern music with wise and spiritual words is certainly worthy of respect and encouragement,"

Alma Mater is an enchanting blend of Lauretan Litanies and Marian popular chants with eight original pieces of modern classical music. What makes this release especially unique is that this is the very first time that the Voice of Pope Benedict XVI, here speaking and singing in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French and German, will be heard on an album, thanks to the audio-recordings of Vatican Radio.

On 2 November at London’s Westminster Cathedral, a free concert will be held performing music from the album. The concert will be performed by the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and The Chamber Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome.