Posted August 21, 2015

Combined choirs from Villanova University will present the world premier of Cormac O’Duffy’s new composition, “The Wedding Feast of the Lamb,” Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church on South 13th Street in Philadelphia.

The oratorio, which is based upon Biblical passages on marriage and family, will feature main roles performed by singers from Opera Philadelphia. Performers will be accompanied by a youth orchestra drawn from String Theory Schools and GAMP (Girard Academic Music Program), two charter high schools in Philadelphia. Dance and some interactive singing will be part of the event.

The concert marks the Sept. 22-25 World Meeting of Families the Sept. 26-27 visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia.

“This is a great honor for us, to sing about the joy of marriage and the gift of family during this historical celebration in Philadelphia,” said O’Duffy.