On the occasion of the feast of San Paolino, patron saint of Lucca, the Polifonica Lucchese will, as per tradition, lead the liturgical celebrations for the Holy Mass, scheduled for Saturday, July 12th at 10:30 a.m. in the Basilica of San Paolino. In the presence of civil and religious institutions and the city's highest authorities, the last motet in honor of the saint, composed by Egisto Matteucci, founder and longtime director of the Polifonica, who passed away last April, will be performed.

Conducted by Marco Musto, the choir will be accompanied by an instrumental ensemble of three trumpets, three trombones, and organ, featuring soloists Roberto Lorenzi (bass) and Mirella Di Vita (soprano).

The motet is a musical composition based on a liturgical text in honor of the saint, set according to the ABA structure, with the first and last parts being performed by the choir, and the middle section by the soloists. A centuries-old tradition has seen illustrious musicians from Lucca, including Giacomo Puccini, tackle the composition of this piece, which is performed at the end of Mass after the Communion rites and is a defining and essential part of the celebrations.

Saturday's performance marks the first official performance of the Polifonica Lucchese since Matteucci's passing. After an inevitable moment of grief and disorientation, the choir has decided to continue so as not to lose the great work of its founder and its many years of history. Director Marco Musto, a graduate in Gregorian Chant and Sacred Music, has been appointed, while the new president is Maestro Roberto Lorenzi, a professional bass singer who began as a treble voice in Matteucci's Polifonica.

To join the choir, please contact the director at info@polifonicalucchese.it.