Seminarians 'unplugged'

MIAMI � St. Raphael Chapel at St. John Vianney Seminary was filled to standing-room only Dec. 9 as people from all over the archdiocese gathered to enjoy a free evening of music performed by the seminarians.

�We have the Schola Cantorum, which is the school of singers,� explained Father Robert Vallee, a professor of philosophy at the seminary. �And, as a sub-set of that, we have the Scholita, which is a little schola of eight men who have trained, on their own, to sing two songs this evening, a capella. As a part of their formation, they took the initiative, worked on their own as brothers, and as you will hear, created two outstanding songs,� Father Vallee told the audience.

The Scholita, comprised of Blake Britton, Luis Pavon, Timothy Williford, Mark LaBelle, Maximillan Hart, Alexander Rivera, Jacob Jaks and Jackson Reeves, started the concert with a performance of �O Magnum Mysterium.� The full Schola then joined them to perform six more songs, in English, Spanish and Latin.

 �I believe this is the sixth year we have had this concert,� said Bonnie De Angulo, the seminary�s registrar. �Father Vallee started this tradition to thank our community at large for all the support they show us throughout the year, and it�s an opportunity to showcase the voices of these very talented seminarians.�

The singers used no microphones or amplifiers while performing.

�The chapel was built like old Gothic chapels with natural acoustics,� said Father Vallee. �We are unplugged, and everyone can hear every sound.�

The Schola Cantorum is directed by the seminary�s director of music, Debbie Consuegra.

�It is an honor and privilege to work with the seminarians,� she said. �Not only are they humble and respectful, they are incredibly talented. They have energy, enthusiasm and a genuine love for learning music. As someone who is used to working with talented girls and young ladies, rehearsing the men in Schola is a delightful change for me. There is a purity and sweetness that comes from the female voice which makes it unique, however the depth and breadth of sound from an all male choir is a beautifully stark contrast. I wish more people could hear them.�

The program featured a number of musical contrasts, from �Pidiendo Posada,� a traditional Mexican carol, to �Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella,� a traditional French carol, and a juxtaposition of �The Little Drummer Boy� and �Peace on Earth� as performed by Bing Crosby and David Bowie.

�Rita, my wife, and I have been coming for years,� said Deacon Eduardo Blanco, who teaches next door at St. Brendan High School. �It started with a private concert, and it has grown from there. It is refreshing, energetic and a blessing for all of us to share.�

The concert also featured an organ solo interlude to commemorate the restoration of this original organ by the Friends of St. John Vianney College Seminary. The concert concluded with Mozart�s �Jubilate Deo� and �Mary�s Little Boy Child� by Jester Hairston.

Father Roberto Garza, the seminary�s rector, addressed the audience to express his gratitude.

�We receive many financial gifts throughout the year, which helps us tremendously,� he said. �This concert is our way of saying thank you � It is a small token of our appreciation for all you do for us.�

As guests entered the library, they were treated to a beautiful display of nativities from around the world.

�This was a lovely celebration of the life and voices of the seminary,� said Frank Litwin. �We came from Boca Raton to hear this concert, as we have been told by many who have previously attended what a blessing this is. And it was that, and even more. We will be back next year.�

�What a beautiful way to ground ourselves in the true spirit of the Advent season,� said Jane Esposito. �This is the first time I have been to the concert and it will now be a tradition for me and my family.�