The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founding beginning April 2007 through April 2008.

One of the highlights will be a concert at the Kimmel Center on October 10, 2007. The concert will be performed by the Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra, made up of more than 400 elementary and secondary students from Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This select group of students auditioned and was chosen to represent the Archdiocese in this concert at the Kimmel Center during the Bicentennial celebration.

Photo Opportunity: First Full Rehearsal of the Bicentennial Elementary and Secondary Chorus on:

Monday, February 26, 2007
7:00 p.m.
Bishop Shanahan High School
220 Woodbine Road
Downingtown, Chester County

Father Joseph McLoone, Chair of the Bicentennial Committee, will recognize Elena Lukens, a student from Bishop Shanahan High School, who was selected as the winner of the 2007 Bicentennial Concert Piano Concerto. Ms. Lukens will be the soloist for the Haydn Piano Concerto at the Kimmel Center concert in October.

The Bicentennial Chorus and Orchestra will participate in other special events throughout the Bicentennial celebration. The Elementary Chorus will provide the music for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Pilgrimage to the National Shrine on April 28, 2007. This Pilgrimage is the first official celebration of the Bicentennial. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Bishops, Priests, Religious and thousands of laity will rededicate themselves to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary on April 28, 2007.

Editor's note: For more information about the Bicentennial Celebration of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please contact 215-587-3747 or e-mail communof@adphila.org.

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Serving the People of God in the Beginning, Now and Always

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747