In a rare California tour, the University of Notre Dame Liturgical Choir, considered one of the preeminent musical ensembles of the Roman Catholic Church in the U.S., will grace the Arboretum at Christ Cathedral on Jan. 11.
The choir, the principal choir at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of Notre Dame, was founded in 1973. It includes some 60 student-singers, a mix of graduate and undergraduate students, who are regarded as the premier collegiate Catholic choral group in the country.
Led by Choir Director Dr. Andrew McShane, its primary purpose is to provide musical leadership at the 10 a.m. Solemn Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a Mass that is widely televised. The choir also sings during Sunday Vespers, at weddings in the Basilica and other special events such as ordinations and dedications.
The choir performs a cappella and accompanied sacred music from the Renaissance through the 20th century.
The group’s California tour includes singing at the Jan. 8 11 a.m. Mass at the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano . A concert performance is also scheduled for Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Newport Beach. Finally, the famed choir will conclude its Orange County tour at Christ Cathedral on Jan .11. A concert is schedule for 7:30 p.m. in the Arboretum.