For more than 40 years, the Basilica of the National Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC (United States), has received visitors in its annual cycle of summer organ recitals, providing a unique opportunity to experience the greatness of sacral music outside the liturgical field.
“(The is) a promotion of an extraordinary and almost mystical art form that has existed for centuries,” said Ewtn’s news in English – Peter Latona, director of music of the Basilica.
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This cycle, which is celebrated on Sunday nights during July and August, includes performances in the famous bodies of the presbytery and the Basilica gallery, which together comprise more than 9,600 tubes.
Each recital begins at 6:00 pm, preceded by a half -hour performance of the Carillón de la the Knights of the Basilica, composed of 56 bells, by Jeremy NG, last year student at Yale University and Certificate Member of the Association of Carillonists of North America.
According to those responsible for the Basilica, the recitals cycle aims to offer a musical experience as deep as the visual beauty of the art and architecture of the Church.
“It offers visitors the opportunity to listen to these wonderful instruments and enjoy music outside the context of the Mass, in the same way that they would travel the basilica to soak up the beautiful mosaics and other works of art,” said Benjamin Laprairie, associate director of music of the basilica, to CNA.
While most concert attendees sit in banks in front of the “Christ in Majesty” mosaic, some families visit the chapels, briefly pray and soak up the beauty of the sacred space.
“Our mission as musicians of the Basilica of transforming hearts and minds through the power and beauty of music in the Roman Catholic liturgy” also applies here, “said Adam Chlebek, deputy director of Music of the Basilica, to CNA.
Each summer, musicians are selected from a global candidate group and the music department elaborates a program that includes both emerging artists and international renowned performers. This year’s cycle began With Chlebek himself, recently graduated from the Eastman School of Music.
“By touching this instrument, I feel a connection with the musical legacy that has been cultivated in the Basilica since the installation and dedication of the organ in 1965,” Chlebek said. “It is an honor for me to continue with this legacy.”
The assistance is open to everyone and voluntary donations are accepted to support the program. The Basilica encourages the public to take this opportunity to listen to “one of the best organs of Washington DC in one of the most beautiful and inspiring sacred spaces in North America.”
Reflecting on the series, which attracts about 100 attendees every week, Chlebek expressed their hopes about their impact: “My hope is that the public comes out with the transformed heart and mind.”
Latona said that the public’s demographic profile has evolved over time and now includes more young people and people from various origins.
“Our goal is to increase the audience so that more people can share this experience,” he said.
The 2025 summer organ recitals will conclude with its last performance on August 31. Details about the next interpreters are available in the Official Basilica Website.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.
Paris Apodaca
Paris Apodaca is a fellow of Catholic News Agency. He previously worked at College Fix and has published in various media, such as the Washington Examiner, Future View of the Wall Street Journal and Campus Reform. In his free time, he writes in replacement and reads political theory.