June 29, 2009

With tour just around the corner, NCYC was busy preparing itself both musically and mentally today.  The day began with an overview of tour, including destinations and logistics.  Then, it was time to begin rehearsal and solidify a couple of pieces, which the choir did.  Today being the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, the choristers and staff went to Mass at the School of Theology-Seminary with the graduate students, where they later sang for the Dedication of the Rebuilt Pipe Organ.  In-between the two, the choristers had lunch and a vocations presentation with Sr. Mary Katherine, OSB, as well as free time to nap or play around outside.

June 29 Photos

The National Catholic Youth Choir is a liturgically-based choir open to Roman Catholic youth entering 10th-12th grade.  The conductor of the choir is internationally renowned choral clinician Dr. Axel Theimer.  Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, a monk of Saint John’s abbey, is the founding director of the choir.  The program takes place each summer on the beautiful wooded grounds of Saint John's Abbey and University in central Minnesota.  What is unique about the National Catholic Youth Choir is its liturgical focus.  The singers learn about the Catholic liturgy and how the treasury of sacred music (Gregorian chant, Palestrina, Mozart, Bruckner, Poulenc, Duruflé...) fits in Catholic worship today.  The choir also sings contemporary and newly-written music, some of it specially commissioned for the NCYC.

© 2009 National Catholic Youth Choir

Saint John's Abbey and University,

Collegeville, Minnesota 56321

For further information, contact the choir founder and chaplain,

Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB
 

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Last updated on 13 April 2010