When it came to my attention that Juventutem was seeking out experienced musicians who would be willing to volunteer in Madrid this August, I let them know that the NLM would be only too happy to formally publish this fact, given our interest in and support of the Juventutem initiative.
Here, then, it is. Please forward it to all those you know who might be interested.
Dear NLM Friends,
Juventutem supports sacred music for the greater glory of God through the liturgy as well as for the spiritual edification of the youths and of every souls. In August 2005, the Juventutem Consort and Choir have performed music and chant of the highest quality with professional musicians and singers and with talented Juventutem pilgrims as well. In St Antonius Church, Düsseldorf, Germany, Juventutem hosted the world premiere of famous British composer Sir John Tavener's Missa Brevis for mixed choir, conducted by Richard Llewellyn, Director of Music. The organ was played by John McGreal, Titular Organist of the London Oratory (UK). Click here for an extract from the Juventutem Mass at the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec. As part of the Juventutem Sydney WYD 2008 repertoire, here is an extract of Anerio’s Christus Factus Est motet sung during the Friday, July 18 Solemn Pontifical Votive Mass of the Holy Cross, held at St. Augustine’s Church in Balmain, directed by Scott Turkington. Following these various performances, a beautiful compact disc was produced by Juventutem (French association), including J.S. Bach's Mass in B Minor, Palestrina's Assumpta Est, Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium and many more. Another disc was produced in Australia. As at previous World Youth Days in Cologne and Sydney, Juventutem intends to have a consistent musical programme in Madrid this August.
We are looking for volunteers with actual experience and competence in plainchant and polyphony.
We need at a minimum to cover: 3 Sung Masses, 3 Sung Vespers and 3 Holy Hours during the main three days of catechesis in Madrid (17-18-19 August 2011).
It is very likely that for the first time Juventutem will be allocated a permanent centre of Eucharistic adoration. It should be in downtown Madrid and accessible during several days and nights to any of the expected 2 million young pilgrims. Together with our Masses and Vespers, this is a unique opportunity to evangelise through the beauty of music.
Of course, musician volunteers are more than welcome to help for the whole duration of the Juventutem programme (first week in Bilbao 9-15 August 2011; second week in Madrid 15-21 August 2011). We will also have a display, where we can display pictures and flyers of the EF liturgy and simply chat with visitors to share with them our interest in these traditions.
Please contact Terry Sullivan for information, for booking or for sponsoring a singer or a musician (at least two experienced choir directors are willing to help us for free, but we still need to cover their airfare, WYD fees and accommodation).
On 24th May, on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, the International Juventutem Federation will celebrate its 6th anniversary. Let us pray the Immaculate Mother of God to bring many more young people to her Son through the Roman traditions of the Church.
-- Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP – Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Juventutem Federation
N.B. Please read here the official encouragement of Cardinal Levada.
