This could be called the ‘Arts Day’. In fact, as soon as the choristers entered St. Mark’s Basilica, another High Mass was ongoing. It was the High Mass of the Collegiate animated by the Cappella Marciana or as it is officially named – la Cappella Musicale Patriarcale di San Marco. SCJ choristers had the opportunity to see and listen to the choir that was placed in two choir lofts facing each other. Undoubtedly this was an opportunity to understand the Venitians’ school of polychoral style.
Schola Cantorum Jubilate animated the 11am mass at the Basilica which was jam-packed with a congregation very attentive to liturgy. The Mass was officiated by the Archpriest of the Basilica, Mgr. Giuseppe Camilotto. The Schola Cantorum sang mottets by Palestrina, Viadana and Gabrieli amongst others.
Later in the afternoon, Mgr. Camilotto invited the choir for a private guided tour inside the Basilica. This was a very interesting educational session during which both choristers and accompanying friends could understand the profound biblical studies the artists did in order to create such mosaics and paintings to exalt the Lord.
The tour for the day continued outside the Basilica with a professional guide Rita Sartori. Dr. Sartori is a close friend of Schola Cantorum Jubilate and listened to SCJ various times during her visits in Gozo. Rita talked about the Venetians, their customs and took the group to an area, away from the touristic part and right in the heart of the Venice. The whole group appreciated Rita’s passionate explanations and appreciated more the uniqueness of the Venetian islands.
The day ended with another dinner and a stroll along the calli.
