Posts Tagged ‘pope’

When In Roma

Friday, May 29th, 2009

vatican

When in Rome… fight traffic, heat and humidity, soccer fans, and take in incredible sights!

Jeane, Kathie, Andy, Lisa, and Steve and I occupied two apartments for several days seeing the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and much much more.  It was quite a contrast from our quiet little Montalcino, but to actually BE there and see so much history and beautiful art.  

Even saw the Pope on Vatican Tv and in person, did a Hop On-Hop off Bus, and alot of walking.  Cool evenings with a glass of wine and people watching.

Then it was seeing Andy and Lisa off to the airport and leaving Kath and J for one day on their own in the Big City before their departure.

We sooooo enjoyed sharing all of this with them!!!!

pieta

Maundy Thursday Organist

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

organloftduomo
The Duomo was  the site tonight of the inaugural playing by me of Catholic Liturgy!  I was suspended 3 stories above the altar area in front of the pipes of an organ from the year 1858 with bellows and all.  It was a very meaningful service: Father Piernino washed duomoorganthe feet of 12 men, then communion followed by a silent procession over to a narthex which was decorated like a garden to represent the Garden of Gethsemane

I played for about 8 different chants.  We seemed to be together, but the acoustics were really reverberating up to me.  I don’t get freedom to play any prelude or anything, it’s by the book .  Steve hung out with me in the balcony to keep me apprised of what  was happening down below as I had no visual.  There were no bats in the belfry, but I didn’t look to closely.  There is a huge dome above this photo.

This Saturday I play at 10 pm and somehow it involves fire (?) (“…He descended into hell…”).  Then again at 9am and 11 am on sunday.  It has been a little nervewracking, but an experience I will never forget.  Maybe Father Piernino will let the Pope know, and I can have and audience with Him when I get to Rome.