The voices of 16 participating choirs from 11 nations sounded in the church Cattedrale di San Rufino yesterday evening at the holy opening service of the third edition of VOICES FOR PEACE – International choir festival in Assisi, home town of St. Francis in Italy.

Commemorating a famous encyclical by Pope John XXIII, the mass was dedicated to “Pacem in Terris”, to the world peace. All voices united thus made a small contribution to a more peaceful world. The following piaces were sung together by all choirs during the opening mass, conducted by the event’s Artistic Director, Giovanni Acciai. Also the ensemble Cappella Musicale della Cattedrale di San Rufino participated in the Opening Service:

Introitus:
Dextera Domini, Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)

Lectio I:
Confitemini Domino, Alessandro Costantini (1581 – 1657)

Lectio II:
Alleluja, Domenico Stella OFMConv. (1881-1956)

Offertorium:
O salutaris Hostia, Lorenzo Perosi (1872-1956)

Sanctus:
From “Choralmesse“, Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)

Communio:
Ave verum, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Ite Missa Est:
Dona Nobis Pacem (Anonymous)

Please find photo and video impressions from the Opening Service at the event’s official Facebook page. The festival continues today with competitions in Perugia. The Closing Concert and Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 4 at 16:00h in the Basilica San Domenico in Perugia.

Keep following VOICES FOR PEACE on Facebook for more updates, photos and videos!