WHAT: More than 475 students from Archdiocesan Schools will perform at the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 in the Monsignor Louis A. D'Addezio Concert of Excellence. This year's concert has been renamed in honor of Monsignor D'Addezio and his selfless dedication to nurturing the arts in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's schools. The concert features musicians in the Archdiocesan bands, choruses and orchestras performing selections from American folk music, spirituals, musical theater and movies fitting within this year's theme -- "A Tribute to the Music of America."

The evening will begin with performances by the Archdiocesan Elementary Jazz Band and the Secondary All-Catholic Jazz Band in the Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center. The program will feature music selections performed by the Archdiocesan Elementary Honors Band; Archdiocesan Elementary Honors Chorus; Archdiocesan Elementary Honors String Orchestra; All-Catholic Concert Band; All-Catholic Chorus; and All-Catholic Orchestra. The One Flock Choir, comprised of 50 talented students from the five special education schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, also will perform. The evening will conclude with a finale in which all 475 students will perform "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Tickets to the concert can be purchased in person at the Kimmel Center box office, online at www.kimmelcenter.org, or by calling Ticket Philadelphia at (215) 893-1999.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
7:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Kimmel Center, Verizon Hall
260 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

WHO:
" 475 Catholic school student performers
" Monsignor Louis A. D'Addezio, Director, Office for Special Projects, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
" Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
" Dr. Richard McCarron, Secretary for Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Philadelphia

KEY VISUALS:
" Performances by Archdiocesan student groups, including the All-Catholic Concert Band, Chorus, Orchestra and Jazz Band
" A finale that includes all of the student groups performing together
" Monsignor Louis A. D'Addezio being honored for his dedication to the arts in Catholic schools

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ABOUT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has 269 parishes serving almost 1.5 million Catholics. Currently there are 182 parish and regional elementary schools, 20 high schools and five schools of special education in the Archdiocese, located throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. For more information about the schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia please visit www.keepingfaithinmind.org

Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Assoc. Director of Communications
215-587-3747