The prince of music | Five hundred years since the birth of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Twenty years ago, the Swiss Radio and Television Choir, with the advice of Professor Francesco Luisi — internationally renowned musicologist and scientific director of the National Edition of Palestrina's Works — embarked on a recording project aimed at recording the complete works of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, the “Princeps Musicae”. A musical monument to the Counter-Reformation, his art, in the service of the Church and humanity, rivals the heights of the figurative Renaissance in its grandeur. 'We could not let 2025 end without once again presenting a composer to whom we have dedicated years of intense work. So here we are, full of respect, admiration and gratitude, performing a series of motets to the glory of the Prince of Music several times during the Christmas period and in various locations, in the hope that the saving energy of this repertoire, destined to move and educate a humanity that is unfortunately still ready to show the worst of itself, will also reach the public. Soli Deo Gloria," explains Maestro Diego Fasolis.

The event, which will take place in Bellinzona on Sunday 21 December at 5 p.m. in the Collegiate Church, aims to offer the public a unique opportunity to once again enjoy the greatness of Palestrina and honour the long history and prestige of the Swiss Radio and Television Choir through a concert, preceded by an introductory lecture aimed at providing a listening guide in order to fully appreciate the breadth and power of this Renaissance genius.