CD featuring Pope due for release

A CD featuring the voice of Pope Benedict XVI will be released worldwide on Monday 30 November.

The CD, ‘Music from the Vatican: Alma Mater,’ contains a blend of Lauretan Litanies and Maria popular chants, with eight original pieces of modern classical music. The Pope’s voice can be heard speaking and singing in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French and German.

Pope Benedict XVI is accompanied by the Vatican Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome. The singers were conducted by Monsignor Pablo Colino, Maestro Emeritus of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the singing was recorded.

The instrumental music was performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and recorded in London’s Abbey Road Studios.

Internationally acclaimed contemporary composers - Simon Boswell, Stefano Mainetti and Nour Eddine - contributed the eight specially commissioned pieces of music for Alma Mater.

Proceeds from the CD sales will be used to provide music education for underprivileged children around the world.

Pre orders for the CD can be made at www.marbecks.co.nz