HONG KONG (SE): In this time of Covid-19 lockdown, Vox Antiqua, a choir formed by Catholic singers in Hong Kong, has had the privilege participating in a virtual choir project recording of Madre Io vorrei. The piece, originally written in Italian, was translated into French and Cantonese, and was recorded in all three language.
The project was an joint effort between Coro Magnificat (Italy), Chretiens de France (France) and Vox Antiqua (Hong Kong). This international collaboration seeks bridge different cultures and connect people through music during this time of social distancing. The song, a prayer to the Blessed Mother, unites singers and the listeners across cultures and languages.
Madre Io vorrei was composed in 1981 by Monsignor Pierangelo Sequeri, who is currently president of the John Paul II Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Pontifcal Lateran University in Rome. A renowned theologian, serving on multiple committees at the Vatican and teaching at universities, he is also a trained musician and composer. The song was initially recorded by Coro Magnificat, the parish choir from Barrafranca in Sicily, back in March. They wanted to bring members together through music during the lockdown. The first video of the Italian virtual choir posted online on March 18 and went viral on social media.
A French musician, Emmanuelle de Largad, conceived the idea of a worldwide audience for the song and translated it into French. She also invited the Hong Kong-based Vox Antiqua, a semi-professional choir, to join the project, with 10 members taking part and recording the song individually during Holy Week.
Upon releasing the international version on May 1, Monsignor Sequeri wrote: “…When hearing this prayer, everyone will feel, in the depths of his soul… (that) nobody, in any part of the world, will be abandoned by Mary, our Mother.”
The video can be seen on YoutTube: https://youtu.be/KmxEc763acg
