Premiere Week:Thoughts from Dr. Peter Kadeli of CUA
- ryanpeverson96
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Dear friends of Angelico Sacred Music,
Our next premiere is coming up very soon! This week, we are so grateful to be collaborating with The Catholic University of America Chamber Choir for our studio recording and (separate) live concert premiere of The Act of Contrition.
In anticipation of this event, we asked Dr. Peter Kadeli, Director of Choral Studies at The Catholic University of America, to share some artistic thoughts about The Act of Contrition, and about the future of Sacred Music.
ASM: What is one element of The Act of Contrition you particularly like? What moved you to use some of your choir's studio recording time on this piece?
Dr. Kadeli: One of the most compelling aspects of The Act of Contrition is how Everson merges the Renaissance polyphonic style with a contemporary sound world. Moments of stylistic familiarity quickly give way to unexpected turns as Everson weaves an expressive tapestry for an intimate Catholic prayer in the vernacular. With our recording, The Act of Contrition will continue sharing its message of beauty and faith to all.
ASM: The Church already has a beautiful treasury of sacred music....so why is new sacred music still necessary for the Church today?
Dr. Kadeli: Our Church and culture greatly need a return to a beauty that points us to God, the source of all beauty. We are blessed with an invaluable treasure in the musical tradition of the Universal Church. However, in every age, the artist can breathe new life into that tradition in a way that speaks directly to us today. This is a call for all artists.
ASM: As the newly appointed Head of Sacred Music and Director of Choral Studies at The Catholic University of America, what advice can you offer those interested in Sacred Music?
Dr. Kadeli: I encourage anyone interested in pursuing a career in Sacred Music to seek out an institution offering a program of study that integrates the highest level of musical training with in-depth theological and liturgical studies. More than musical aptitude, our Church and world need Sacred Music experts who intimately understand the Liturgy and spiritual origins for which this music was composed. With this formation, one can more effectively serve the Liturgy and inspire audiences with the unfathomable beauty of Sacred Music through stage performances.
Angelico Sacred Music is grateful to be partnering with Dr. Kadeli and his remarkable choir on this project, as together we bring The Act of Contrition to life in our nation’s capital. Please pray for Ryan during his travels and for the success of the premiere today! (May 1)
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