Concert by the Pueri Cantores of Daegu (South Korea) - cathedral, Sunday, January 19, 4:00 pm

Founded in September 1994 by Sister Kim Jung-sun, currently choirmaster, the Pueri Cantores ensemble of Daegu (Korea, Daegu province of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres), celebrates its 24ᵉ anniversary as Korea’s first choir specializing in Gregorian chant and a cappella choral singing. The choir is affiliated with the Catholic Music Institute of the Diocese of Daegu (directed by Father Kim Jong-heon), and has also been promoting handbell music (5 octaves) since 1999.

Since its inaugural concert in 1997 in Daegu and Seoul, the choir has staged numerous events, including the 10ᵉ anniversary thank-you concert, the Gyesan Cathedral centenary commemorative concert, the complete performance of the Requiem at the 1ᵉʳ anniversary ceremony of the Daegu subway disaster organized by MBC, the KBS Open Concert Christmas special, the Suseong Artpia Go Music Festival, as well as concerts to celebrate its 15ᵉ and 20ᵉ anniversaries.

In addition, the Pueri Cantores choir has been invited to take part in several International Gregorian Chant Festivals in 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015 and 2018, giving concerts in Belgium, France and Italy. The choir also sang at the Pentecost mass celebrated by the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. In 2002, the choir was invited to Germany, Hungary and Poland; in 2004, to Japan; in 2011, to the Sydney Opera House in Australia; and in 2014, to the western United States. In 2016, it collaborated with the Boys’ Choir of the Princely House of Monaco and, in 2017, took part in the 7ᵉ International Gregorian Chant Festival in Hungary.

Currently, some 63 former choir members are pursuing musical studies in Korea and abroad. A women’s vocal ensemble, Puellae Cantores, made up of former choristers, is also active, and the teaching staff is made up entirely of former choir members.

Program: Gregorian chants (Orbis factor Mass), Magnificat by H. Ødegaard, Ave Maria by G. Forbes, Confitemini Domini by P. Drennan, Adoramus te Christe by G.P. de Palestrina, Become God’s story by A. Pote, …

Direction : Sister Catharina J.S. Kim

Accompanist: Benedicto S. H. Kim

Free admission – free participation