Sistine Chapel Choir to give first ever Detroit performance

• The Sistine Chapel Choir from Rome, commonly recognized as "the Pope's Choir," will make its first-ever performance in Detroit during the Choir's return to the U.S. for the first time in over 30 years
• The historic Detroit performance on Saturday, September 23 at Detroit Opera House is significant as it symbolizes Detroit's representation as a cultural touchstone in the world
• The Choir's historic visit to the U.S. is produced by Northville, Michigan based Corporate Travel, a full-service travel, event and cruise tour company with dedicated resources in cultural, educational, performance and religious tours and cruises

The Sistine Chapel Choir from Rome, commonly recognized as "the Pope's Choir," will make its first-ever performance in Detroit on Saturday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Detroit Opera House. Their performance in Detroit will culminate the Choir's historic return to the U.S. for the first time in over 30 years, which also includes performances at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The Choir will perform to a sold-out audience.

"It's a great honor to host the Sistine Chapel Choir, the Pope's choir," said Archbishop of Detroit Allen H. Vigneron. "This visit is a privileged occasion for the cooperation between the Church, the civic community, and the business community to share something beautiful for everyone in the region."

The archbishop said the choir's focus on the renaissance mirrors Detroit's own journey.

"The maestro made a point on the renaissance, and we pride ourselves on having picked ourselves up from the ashes, resurget cineribus," he said, quoting the city's motto penned by Fr. Gabriel Richard. "The concert is one more sign that this spirit moves itself into the future."

"The Sistine Chapel Choir is pleased to visit Detroit, a city that today represents a cultural touchstone for the world and the culture of the Renaissance," stated Maestro Msgr. Massimo Palombella, who leads the Sistine Chapel Choir. "We look forward to experiencing Detroit while bringing the very best of Renaissance music that will make up the production of a beautiful concert at the Detroit Opera House."

Maestro Palombella has complete access to the Vatican's music archives. He was responsible for bringing back a revival of Renaissance singing to the choir, for which the Sistine Chapel Choir was awarded the prestigious ECHO KLASSIK Award for classical music in 2016. To view a personal message to Detroit from Sistine Chapel Choir Maestro Msgr. Massimo Palombella click here.

The Sistine Chapel Choir will have the opportunity to tour and enjoy Detroit during their time in the city with planned visits to Wayne State University, Belle Isle Park, The Henry Ford, and Detroit Institute of Arts. The Choir, along with the Vision Male Ensemble from the Detroit School of Arts, will also be hosted by Comerica Bank for an evening with the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

"Comerica Bank is proud to be part of this historic event as the Sistine Chapel Choir performs in Detroit for the first time," said Michael T. Ritchie, president of Comerica Bank-Michigan. "The beauty of music brings people together; it blends cultures and creates common interests among people. We are eager for Detroit to experience the musical talents of the world right here in the Motor City."

While in Detroit, the Choir will also provide a private community concert at Ste. Anne de Detroit Parish. Guests of this performance at the oldest parish in the archdiocese and second-oldest parish in the United States, were invited by churches, schools and non-profit organizations who serve the metro Detroit area. Sponsors making this special performance possible are Ford Motor Company, Roman Village Cucina Italiana, Ideal Group, Knights of Columbus and the Lakin, Joseph, Rugiero, Roncelli, Mastrangelo and Madison families. While the concert is fully-committed, the public will have the opportunity to see and hear the live performance on the large outdoor digital boards at Cobo Center or via LIVESTREAM at aod.org provided by the Archdiocese of Detroit beginning at 7 p.m. This special viewing at Cobo Center is sponsored by The Moroun Family, The Suburban Collection and Ford Motor Company. The Catholic Television Network of Detroit (CTND) will rebroadcast the concert in October.

"Ford Motor Company is delighted to be among the companies sponsoring this very special event, and in particular, to help make it possible for so many in our community to enjoy," said Brad Simmons, Director, Community Outreach, Ford Motor Company. "Attracting such a world-class group to Detroit for the first time in its 1500-year history is further testimony to the progress that we continue to make together."

The Sistine Chapel Choir's historic visit to the U.S. is produced by Northville, Michigan based Corporate Travel, a full-service travel, event and cruise tour company with dedicated resources in cultural, educational, performance and religious tours and cruises.

"We are very appreciative of the generous support of the partners and sponsors who have made this historic Sistine Chapel Choir U.S. tour possible," said John Hale, owner, Corporate Travel. "We are thrilled and honored to help bring the beautiful sounds of the world-class Sistine Chapel Choir to Detroit for the community and region to enjoy."

"Ave Maria Mutual Fund is honored to be a National Title Sponsor of this historic visit to the U.S.," said Bob Schwartz, Vice President, Ave Maria Mutual Fund. "It is a tremendous opportunity to hear beautiful, sacred music."

"Lear is proud to partner with other leading businesses and community organizations in support of the first ever visit of the historic and award-winning Sistine Chapel Choir to the City of Detroit," said Matt Simoncini, Lear's President and CEO. "The Choir's visit is just the latest example of Detroit's resurgence as demonstrated by its ability to attract and provide world-class cultural events and unique entertainment experiences."

As early as the 5th and 6th centuries, there are records of singers being part of the papal entourage. Today, 1,500 years later, the role of the Sistine Chapel Choir, officially known as the Cappella Musicale Pontificia Sistina, remains the same, comprised of a highly-accomplished group of 22 men and 29 boys.

Sistine Chapel Choir U.S. tour corporate sponsors include: Ave Maria Mutual Funds, Comerica Bank, Ford Motor Company, Lumen Institute, The Catholic University of America, Celebrity Cruises, Lear Corporation, UHY LLP, Antonio's Cucina Italiana, The Mary G. Stange Charitable Trust, Metro Cars, Rugiero Promise Foundation, Ideal Group, The Suburban Collection, The Moroun Family, Red Safety & Security, Delta Airlines, lovio george, Barton Malow, Roncelli, Intraco, Knights of Columbus, Irish Pallottine Missionary Center, David Whitney Building, Thrifty Florist, Crown Battery, Verheyden Funeral Homes, Ave Maria Radio, Detroit Opera House, Detroit Institute of Arts, Hour Detroit Magazine, Archdiocese of Detroit, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, University of Detroit Mercy and 90.9 WRCJ-FM.

Limited sponsorship ticket opportunities are available. For more information contact Corporate Travel Service at 313.565.8888.

About The Sistine Chapel Choir

The Pontifical Sistine Chapel Choir, officially known as the Cappella Musicale Pontificia Sistina, is the oldest choir in the world and the Pope's personal choir. Last year, the Sistine Chapel Choir was awarded the prestigious ECHO KLASSIK Award for classical music. As early as the 5th and 6th centuries there are records of singers being part of the papal entourage. Today, some 1,500 years later, the role of the Sistine Chapel Choir remains the same, namely, to sing for the papal liturgies. Maestro Msgr. Massimo Palombella leads the world-class choir and has complete access to the Vatican's archives, the biggest collection of Renaissance music in the world.

About Corporate Travel

Based in Northville, Michigan, Corporate Travel is a full-service travel, event and cruise tour company, with dedicated resources and departmental oversight including cultural, educational, performance and religious tours and cruises. Corporate Travel's mission is to enhance lives and promote culture by creating customized travel experiences.

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Media contacts:

Bridget Burns, bburns@loviogeorge.com, 313-832-2210, 313-218-2505 (mobile)
Sara Campbell, scampbell@loviogeorge.com, 313-832-2210, 315-727-3280 (mobile)