Over 500 music students from schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will perform during the annual “Reverend Monsignor Louis D’Addezio Concert of Excellence” in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
The “Concert of Excellence” will feature pieces performed by students from the Archdiocesan Schools of Special Education, the All Catholic High School Concert Band, the Archdiocesan Elementary Chorus, the Archdiocesan Elementary String Orchestra, the All Catholic High School Chorus, the Archdiocesan Elementary Honor Band, the Archdiocesan 7th and 8th Grade Chorus, and the All Catholic High School Orchestra. During the concert eight ensembles will present music from genres including classical, jazz, and pop. The evening will conclude with a combined piece called, “I Hear America Singing,” by Andre Thomas. All 528 students will be on stage for the final number. Prior to the start of the concert students in the Jazz Bands and Elementary Show Choir will perform in the lobby.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
5:45 p.m. (Lobby Performance)
7:00 p.m. (Concert of Excellence)
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Verizon Hall
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
In addition to the performance, two upcoming rehearsal opportunities, prior to the “Concert of Excellence” will take place. The participating elementary school choral group students will rehearse on Wednesday, March 9th, at Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia beginning at 12:30 p.m. Secondary school students and elementary school students, performing at the “Concert of Excellence” will have a rehearsal together on Tuesday, March 15th, at Bishop Shanahan High School in Chester County at 12:00 p.m.
“The Concert of Excellence,” sponsored by the Office of Catholic Education, began in 1994 as a way to present the musical talents of special education, elementary, and secondary school students. From 1994 to 2001, performances were held annually at the Academy of Music. These performances were named, “An Evening at the Academy.” From 2002 to 2005 the concert was held at various locations throughout the City of Philadelphia, including the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Following the 2005 performance, it was renamed the “Concert of Excellence” and moved to Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. The performances are now held every two years. The Concert of Excellence is named in honor of Monsignor Louis D’Addezio, retired longtime director, producer, and chief engineer of the concert.
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Editor’s Notes: For information about Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit http://www.aopcatholicschools.org/. For information about Faith in the Future please visit http://faithinthefuture.com/.
Contact:Bonnie Olinger
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747 (office)