Andrea Bocelli, Philly Orchestra to Perform for the Pope

Photo of Andrea Bocelli (left) from Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock.com

The musical lineup for the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia in September is beginning to be announced. Word about the first three acts performing at the Festival of Families came from the Vatican this morning, where Mayor Nutter and Archbishop Charles J. Chaput are currently visiting to plot out details about the Pope’s stay.

Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, famed Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli and Latin American pop star Juanes will perform on Saturday, September 26th, at a celebration capping off the World Meeting of Families taking place in Philly from September 22-25. The Orchestra will also play at the Papal Mass on the Parkway on Sunday, September 27th, where they will perform liturgical music for the 500-person Archdiocesan choir.

“To perform for His Holiness Pope Francis, and to be in service for the events celebrating his generous visit to our city, is a high honor for Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, our musicians, and for everyone associated with The Philadelphia Orchestra,” says Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore, who’s also visiting the Vatican. “We’re thrilled to be joined by Philadelphia’s Archdiocesan choir for what promises to be a very special Papal Mass for our communities, and broadcast to world audiences. … We are incredibly proud to share our music with the Holy Father, and know we will be part of an audience in the City of Brotherly Love that will be changed and inspired.”

According to NBC 10, other high-profile acts will be announced over the next few weeks.