Music straight from the Vatican

MANILA, Philippines - Alma Mater blends Lauretan Litanies and Marian popular chants with eight original pieces of modern classical music. For the first time, hear Pope Benedict XVI speak and sing in Latin, Italian, Portuguese, French and German, thanks to audio-recordings of Vatican Radio.

Proceeds from album sales will be used to provide music education for underprivileged children worldwide.

The album features Pope Benedict XVI reciting and singing passages and prayers, accompanied by The Choir of the Philharmonic Academy of Rome, conducted by Monsignor Pablo Colino, Maestro Emeritus of St. Peter’s Basilica and recorded in St. Peter’s Basilica. World-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra plays on all of the specially commissioned contemporary tracks, with the recording session taking place at Abbey Road studios.

Recently, a small, intimate event in Italy was held to present Pope Benedict XVI a copy of Alma Mater — Music From the Vatican (released through MCA Music in the Philippines).

The album is out in record stores and is priced at P459 each.