Basilica of San Vitale: Concert by the Musical Band of the Gendarmerie Corps
The Musical Band of the Gendarmerie Corps will perform in concert on Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m., in the Roman Basilica of San Vitale at the Quirinale, as part of the musical series Sacrae Militiae Sonus.
The Band—conducted by Maestro Stefano Iannilli and coordinated by Deputy Commissioner of the Gendarmerie Mauro Colaiacomo, will be accompanied by the Giovani Don Bosco choir, directed by Veronica Piscitelli.
The program opens with the Pontifical Anthem by Charles François Gounod, followed by the 2025 Jubilee Hymn Pilgrims of Hope by Francesco Meneghello / Pierangelo Sequeri, Arsenal by Jan Van der Roost, Un amore così grande (tenor Vasco Maria Vagnoli) by Guido Maria Ferilli and Antonella Maggio, the *Magnificat (soprano Anna Kazlova) by Marco Frisina, Adeste Fideles, Joy to the World from the Messiah by Georg Friedrich Händel, Christmas carols, What a Wonderful World by Robert “Bob” Thiele and George David Weiss, Mattinata (soprano Anna Kazlova – tenor Vasco Maria Vagnoli) by Ruggero Leoncavallo, and the Trisch-Trasch Polka by Johann Strauss Jr.
The Musical Band of the Gendarmerie Corps is composed of about one hundred musicians, all volunteers and graduates of Italian conservatories, many of whom have gained experience in national Military Bands. The performers wear an elegant blue uniform inspired by that of active-duty Gendarmes. The ensemble has revived the spirit and functions of the historic Band of the Pontifical Gendarmerie, established in 1851 and renowned for the care of the musical tradition inherited from the Corps of the Pontifical Velites.
The Giovani Don Bosco Choir, founded in 2010 within the parish of San Giovanni Bosco in Cinecittà as a community initiative for those under 40, primarily provides liturgical service at the 8:00 p.m. Sunday Mass, often extending its activity to solemn celebrations such as diaconal and priestly ordinations. The group values the uniqueness of each chorister, recognizing in singing a way to offer prayer and service. Their guiding principle — singing with care to foster prayer — directs continuous work aimed at achieving harmony between musical expression and spiritual depth.