Vatican Choir in First U.S. Concerts

The Cappella Giulia Choir of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, also known as the Vatican Choir, will sing three concerts this weekend at Mission San Luis Rey. The concerts are part of the mission’s 200th anniversary year.

The choir, formed in 1513, has never performed in the United States. It will sing music by Palestrina and Mozart at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday. The choir will sing Haydn’s “Lord Nelson” Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday as part of a church service. The choir will sing Faure’s Requiem and works by Palestrina at 2 p.m. Sunday. The concerts will take place in the Serra Center at the mission.

Gilbert Levine will direct 26 members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and four soloists to be announced.

Tickets for the Friday and Sunday concerts are $50 to $125. Tickets for the Saturday evening concerts are $75 to $200 ($150 and $200 tickets include a reception with the choir.) There is no charge for the Saturday morning Mass; a collection will be taken. The mission is at 4050 Mission Ave. (760) 757-3651, Ext. 127.