Concert Mass as part of the Novena at Madonna del Sasso

World premiere of „Fratello Sole e Sorella Luna“ by Orfeo Mandozzi

Location: Madonna del Sasso Church, Orselina Date: Sunday, 7 September 2025 – 5:00 p.m. to approx. 6:30 p.m. Free admission – Music for all. For peace. Liturgy and music united – a solemn Holy Mass as part of the Novena

LOCARNO RESOUNDS FOR PEACE – this is the guiding theme of the 2025 Peace Concert Trilogy, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the historic Locarno Treaties.
The solemn opening of this trilogy is marked by the Concert Mass for the Novena at Madonna del Sasso.

On Sunday, 7 September 2025 at 5:00 p.m., the Convent of Madonna del Sasso, the Municipality of Orselina, the City of Locarno, and the Associazione MUSICA al CUORE warmly invite you to a special concert event within the traditional Novena at the Marian shrine of Madonna del Sasso:
Mozart’s festive “Coronation Mass” (KV 317) will be performed as a liturgically enriched concert mass.

A spiritual highlight – a musical gesture of peace The Holy Mass will be celebrated by the Capuchin Brothers and musically supported by two outstanding ensembles: Vocal Ensemble Cantemus (30–35 singers) – www.vokalensemble-cantemus.ch Orchestra Camerata dei Castelli (approx. 20 musicians) – www.cameratadeicastelli.com
Conductor: Liga Liedskalnina – the Latvian conductor is renowned for her artistic sensitivity and spiritual depth.
Soloists: Soprano, YueYan Xie; Contralto, Candice Carmalt; Tenor, Nuno Santos; Bass, Marco Redaelli

Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” is one of his most powerful sacred works: festive trumpet fanfares, radiant harmonies, triumphant choral movements, and touching solo passages come together in a Mass filled with splendour, faith, and hope.

A World Premiere for Peace At a time when wars, crises, and division threaten peace around the globe, music sends a powerful message: As part of this Mass, the new work “Fratello Sole e Sorella Luna” by Prof. Orfeo Mandozzi will be premiered – a contemporary musical interpretation of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Sun. This piece is a homage to creation, a call for reconciliation, and an expression of hope for spiritual renewal and universal peace – in the midst of a world that needs it more urgently than ever.
Artistic and Spiritual Framework The artistic direction of the Peace Concerts is led by Prof. Orfeo Mandozzi, internationally renowned cellist and president of the association Musica al Cuore. Sébastien Peter, Director of Cultural Affairs of the City of Locarno, inspired the city's peace initiative and plays a key role as cultural coordinator in shaping the entire Peace Concerts 2025 project. As spiritual host, Brother Agostino Del Pietro, rector of the sanctuary and honorary member of the Associazione MUSICA al CUORE, accompanies the project with deep personal dedication. Project management, communication and PR are overseen by Brigitte Naschberger-Kastenhuber.

Music that unites. Liturgy that uplifts. And a place that inspires.
Admission is free. Pilgrims, worshippers, and music lovers are warmly welcome.

Organizer: Associazione MUSICA al CUORE | www.musica-al-cuore.com
In collaboration with the Capuchin Brothers of Madonna del Sasso, the Municipality of Orselina, the City of Locarno, and the peace initiative Locarno Città della Pace.