Can there be a more sublime setting for a sublime concert than the grandiose Upper Basilica di San Francesco, adorned with the late 13-c frescoes depicting the life of our San Francesco?
At times during a recent November concert night, the frescoed vaults over the altar of the Upper Basilica di San Francesco glowed a fiery red, then flowed into a royal purple. The purples misted to an icy blue. Then came warm yellows. An astounding lighting kaleidoscope by the PBS techno team to backdrop the late November concert of Frate Alessandro, Assisi’s “singing friar.”
Accompanied by the chamber orchestra of Perugia, Frate Alessandro’s concert ranged from solos to songs accompanied by two children’s choirs, others with the St. Francis Basilica choir directed by Franciscan choir director/composer Padre Magrino, OFM.
Two Franciscans offering the enthralled public – no seats left in the Basilica that night – musical splendor, backdropped by the stunning frescoes recounting the life of their founding padre, our San Francesco.
The warmth of the colors moving across the Gothic vaults above matched Frate Alessandos’ own warmth. That in his voice, that in his broad smile and dancing eyes. And in his words at concert end as he thanked the public, after expressing gratitude to the chamber orchestra and the accompanying choirs: “Our music is uniting us all, for we are mirroring all of you through our music. We are taking in your joys and tribulations and reflecting back to you in musical joy.”
PBS will air this late November concert in March 2017 on U.S. television stations. In the meantime, enjoy seeing the concert photos here. And read here about my first encounter with Frate Alessandro.
Click here for more on Frate Alessandro
Hear Frate Alessandro sing here
Click here for another memorable musical moment in the splendid Basilica di San Francesco
Wonderful job capturing the spirit of the concert, Anne! Great blog. My wife Martha and I loved spending time with you while we were in Assisi. And the tour you gave Martha was top notched. We couldn’t have found someone better! Anyone planning a trip to Perugia and Umbria would be amiss if they did not seek your guidance.
So good to share Assisi wonders with you and thanks very much for giving me the opportunity to share in the heavenly Frate Alessandro concert
tutti i giorni ascolto qualche sua canzone,favoloso
Un gran talento!