The Lumen Christi Institute is excited to host Schola Antiqua for a series of concerts on the music of Pope Leo X.
Vocal ensemble Schola Antiqua serves as the Lumen Christi Institute’s Artists-in-Residence. Lumen Christi supports Schola Antiqua in providing unparalleled offerings related to the foundations of Catholic liturgy and music. Michael Alan Anderson, the Artistic Director of Schola Antiqua and a graduate of the University of Chicago, works closely with the Institute to deliver concerts and workshops on the Church’s great treasury of sacred music. Click here for more information.
Pope Leo X, who is the inspiration for the music, was elected pope at thirty-seven. Giovanni de’ Medici – Leo X (r. 1513-1521) – presided over one of the most resplendent courts of worship and art in the Renaissance. His reputation as a champion of sacred music reached far beyond Rome, prompting composers and court across Europe to prepare works and volumes of music in his honor. This program brings together magnificent choral music heard in the pope’s presence and music offered to him from afar, from radiant sacred polyphony to the intimate lute artistry of Francesco da Milano, evoking the sacred beauty that animated his brief but consequential papacy.
Two concerts will be held by Schola Antiqua, one at Loyola Academy on Thursday, May 21st and the other at the University of Chicago on Friday, May 22nd
The Thursday concert will be preceded by a cocktail reception. Following the concert, the Schola will sing Vespers. Please click here for more details.
The Friday concert will be preceded by a short conversation featuring Ada Palmer (University of Chicago), Fr. Nathan Ford, SJC (St. John Cantius), and Michael Anderson (Schola Antiqua) on the nature of sacred music. The Friday concert will be followed by a Mass sung by the Schola. Please click here for more details.