Voices at the Vatican

Baton Rouge Magnet High’s Festival Singers are no strangers to sharing their talent on an international stage, having performed in Prague and other European destinations. But in February, the 22 high school singers will finish a nine-day tour of Italy with a performance for Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.

“They’ve not done anything of this magnitude before,” says Annalee Campbell, mother of choir member and junior Caroline Campbell. The trip also includes a performance as the principal choir for the Archpriest Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and concerts elsewhere in Italy.

“Singing for a world leader like this—and performing in such priceless venues—really just galvanizes the team,” says choral director Robbie Giroir.

The professional group is currently seeking community support to help cover the costs of the trip, which Campbell says come to around $3,500 per student. The Festival Singers will be performing a Christmas concert at St. Joseph’s Church Dec. 4 and rehearsals Tuesday and Thursday nights in January that will be open to the public. To find out more, contact Giroir at 229-8422.