Rome, Italy, Nov 28, 2009 / 11:50 am
The Church of St. Ignazio di Loyola in Rome was the scene of a concert Tuesday evening featuring a Catholic parish choir from Washington, Pa. This was the first stop for the group in a series of concerts in Italy, including one Wednesday for the Holy Father
The concert given by the choir of Immaculate Conception Parish, located in the city of Washington, near Pittsburgh, was one of the events in this year's International Festival of Music and Sacred Art in Rome. The 17th century Church of St. Ignazio di Loyola was the setting for the choir's performance. They are directed by Dr. Yugo Ikach.
Dr. Ikach is an associate professor at California University of Pa., principal conductor of the Washington Symphony Orchestra and choir director at the parish since 1991.
The group went on to sing briefly for Pope Benedict XVI in the Aula Paolo VI at Wednesday morning's general audience. They later attended the afternoon Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.