Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will welcome multi-talented musicians from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at a Concert of Excellence at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia. The concert, in conjunction with the national convention of the National Catholic Educational Association held in Philadelphia March 29-April 1, features soloists and musicians in the All-Catholic bands, choruses and orchestras.

Festivities at the Kimmel Center will open with performances of the Archdiocesan Elementary Jazz Band and the Secondary All-Catholic Jazz Band in Commonwealth Plaza at the Center. The Concert of Excellence will begin with the National Anthem, sung by vocalist William Monahan of Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown, with remarks by Cardinal Rigali and other dignitaries.

Coverage of the concert is welcome; however, there are no tickets available for purchase. The concert is sold-out.

Concert of Excellence
Presented by the Students of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
7:30 p.m.
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Broad and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia

The program will feature music selections performed by the Archdiocesan Elementary Honors Band, the All-Catholic Secondary Concert Band, the All-Catholic Chorus and All-Catholic Orchestra. This year marks a first for the All-Catholic Orchestra: Of its 40-member string section, 16 elementary school musicians proved they were talented enough to join the ranks of the older players.

Included in the concert will be solo performances by elementary school pianist Kevin Muchetti of St. Norbert School, Paoli; secondary school pianist Peter Dugan of St. Joseph's Preparatory School; and pianist Joseph Manfredonia joining Christian Bell, both of Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, on xylophone.

More than 15,000 delegates and exhibitors are expected to attend the 102nd annual Convention and Exposition of the National Catholic Educational Association in Philadelphia. Most of the sessions will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and will signal the start of a second century of service to Catholic education. The theme is, "We the People: Proclaiming Faith and Freedom."

Media note: The Kimmel Center prohibits tripods and flash lighting for print photographers. For broadcast media, the Center permits tape shot only for news purposes. The first 30 minutes of the performance may be recorded, but only three minutes may be broadcast.

Contact:
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747


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Contact
Matthew Gambino
Associate Director
215-587-3747