Concert Mass for the 800th anniversary of St Francis’ death: Mozart’s Requiem

🎼 CONCERT MASS COMMEMORATING THE 800TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI 🎼

Mozart’s Requiem and the world premiere of the new version of «Fratello Sole e Sorella Luna»

Sunday, 4 October 2026 | Church of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina | Start: 5:00 p.m. | from 6:30 p.m. aperitif | Admission free – music for everyone

To commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Associazione MUSICA al CUORE invites everyone to an extraordinary CONCERT MASS at the Church of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina on Sunday, 4 October 2026.

At the heart of the musical programme is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, KV 626 – one of the most moving and significant works in the history of music. In its incomparable union of grief, consolation, drama and hope, the Requiem touches upon the existential questions of human life while offering a glimpse of reconciliation and peace.

Performing are: Gruppo Vocale Cantemus under the direction of Līga Liedskalniņa and the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana (OSI). The soloists are Lorenza Donadini (soprano), Candice Carmalt (alto), Nuno Santos (tenor) and Manuel Pollinger (bass).

The Holy Mass will be celebrated by the Capuchin Friars of Madonna del Sasso. Liturgy and music will unite in a solemn expression of remembrance, reflection and hope.

Following Mozart’s Requiem, «Fratello Sole e Sorella Luna» by Prof. Orfeo Mandozzi will be performed. The work received its world premiere at Madonna del Sasso last year and has since been extensively revised and further developed by the composer. On 4 October, the new version of the work will receive its world premiere.

Inspired by the famous Canticle of the Creatures by Saint Francis of Assisi, the work expresses humanity’s profound connection with Creation: with Brother Sun and Sister Moon, with wind, water, fire and earth. It is a musical homage to peace, the preservation of Creation and the universal fraternity embodied by Francis of Assisi 800 years ago – a message that has lost none of its power or relevance to this day.

With this special Messa concertata, MUSICA al CUORE brings together two works that speak in different ways of transience and hope, spirituality and humanity. In the unique atmosphere of Madonna del Sasso, a solemn encounter between liturgy and music unfolds – a moment of reflection, remembrance and inner connection.

Admission free – everyone is warmly welcome. Music that connects – a place of stillness that inspires. Following the event, all guests are warmly invited to an aperitif and personal exchange. Organiser: Associazione MUSICA al CUORE www.musica-al-cuore.com.

In collaboration with the Capuchin Friars of Madonna del Sasso and the Municipality of Orselina. With the support of the Ernst Göhner Foundation.

Families with children are especially welcome. Please arrive 20 minutes before the concert begins.