Vatican City, Apr 30, 2008 / 03:37 am
In what appears to be an attempt to improve relations between the Holy See and Beijing, the China Philharmonic Orchestra is scheduled to perform for Pope Benedict XVI next week at the Vatican, Reuters reports.
On Tuesday, Vatican Radio said the concert will take place on May 7 in the Vatican’s audience hall. The orchestra, along with the Shanghai Opera House Chorus, will perform Mozart’s “Requiem.”
Vatican Radio called the concert “important,” adding, “With the performance in the Vatican of a great classic work of European music and religious inspiration, music is confirming its role as a language and most precious medium for dialogue among peoples and cultures.”
The concert is part of the orchestra’s European tour.