Music From The Vatican - Alma Mater; Featuring the Voice of Pope Benedict XVI, Set for Release on Decca in the U.S. on November 24th

Music From The Vatican - Alma Mater; Featuring the Voice of Pope Benedict XVI, Set for Release on Decca in the U.S. on November 24th

"I am convinced that music really is the universal language of beauty which can bring together all people of good will on earth" Pope Benedict XVI

NEW YORK, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Stemming from an unprecedented worldwide record deal with Universal Music Group International, Decca (a division of Universal Music Group in America) is set to release the new CD, Music From The Vatican - Alma Mater, featuring the voice of Pope Benedict XVI. The disc will be released in the U.S. on November 24th.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091001/NY85428 )

Alma Mater is a stirring and highly emotional collection of eight original pieces of modern classical music. The release is a true event, marking the very first time that the Voice of Pope Benedict XVI has been captured on disc, speaking and singing in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French and German, thanks to the audio recordings of Vatican Radio. Proceeds from the album sales will be used to provide music education for underprivileged children around the world.

The album will feature His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, reciting and singing passages and prayers, accompanied by The Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome, conducted by Monsignor Pablo Colino, Maestro Emeritus of St. Peter's Basilica and recorded in St Peter's Basilica. The world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra plays on all of the specially commissioned contemporary tracks, and was recorded at the iconic Abbey Road studios in London.

Simon Boswell, Stefano Mainetti and Nour Eddine are the three contemporary composers who have contributed the eight specially commissioned pieces of music for Alma Mater. Vincent Messina, producer of Alma Mater, commented, "These three composers are world class and my first choices for the album. A happy co-incidence is that Stefano is Catholic, Simon is 'undeclared' and Nour Eddine is Muslim, thus perfectly representing our aim to produce an album that has universal appeal to all of those who love beautiful music." Collectively, the trio of writers boasts an impressive resume of film scores, TV series and stage productions from around the world.

Plans for a series of international concerts to launch the album will be announced soon.

www.musicfromthevatican.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091001/NY85428

Source: Decca Label Group

CONTACT: Olga Makrias, Decca Label Group, Olga.makrias@umusic.com,
+1-212-333-1485

Web Site: http://www.musicfromthevatican.com/

---

Profile: International Entertainment