College’s Masterworks Chorale Invited to Bring Music to Vatican

When Cypress College’s Masterworks Chorale sings at a papal Mass at the Vatican this month, the group will have a rendezvous with history, director Sheridan Ball said.

“Almost every musician knows the rich artistic history of the Vatican,” Ball said. “In the Renaissance, practically all the music went through Rome. It still very much is a center of musical life.”

Ball, a professor of music at the community college, said that he was, therefore, “awe-inspired” when the chorale received a rare invitation to sing at the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome.

“Our performance is being incorporated as part of a papal Mass,” he said.

Ball said Vatican officials cannot confirm the appearance of the Pope himself until a few days before the event, but “we’re all hoping the Pope will be there, and I think there is a very good chance of that.”

Msgr. Lawrence J. Baird, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Orange, said that an invitation to sing at a papal Mass is unusual and “is a distinct honor.”

“This invitation shows the ongoing tradition of the church to recognize fine arts and also its expression of universality,” Baird said.

The 80-member Cypress Masterworks Chorale is composed of community residents and college students. Ages range from 17 to 65. The singing group takes tours every other year, and this summer the chorale’s itinerary includes Rome, Athens and Jerusalem.

“We always give concerts during our tours, and when we knew we were going to tour Rome, I sent the Vatican videos and audiotapes” of chorale performances, Ball said.

“They called us back and invited us to sing. We’re all very excited,” the director said. “As musicians, we are aware how much sacred music was composed for that venue.”

In addition to appearing at the Vatican, the chorale also will give a public concert at a palace in Rome, Ball said. Later, during their stay in Israel, the singers will perform in Jerusalem, Tiberius and Bethlehem.

Ball said that 41 chorale members and 12 spouses, relatives and friends will be in this year’s tour group, which departs June 27 and returns July 10.

Before leaving, the chorale will give a performance for the public at 7:30 p.m. June 26 at the Orangethorpe United Methodist Church, 2351 W. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton.