The first ever performance of a significant piece of classical music by an American composer will be heard at Ramsgate’s Shrine Church of St Augustine / National Pugin Centre at noon on Sunday October 28.
Dr Peter Kwasniewski’s Missa Rex in Æternum will be sung by the choir ‘Cantabo Domino’ under the direction of acclaimed British musician Matthew Schellhorn. The UK premieres of two other pieces by Dr Kwasniewski, “Christus vincit”and “Jesu dulcis memoria” will also be heard at the High Mass to celebrate the feast of Christ the King.
At 2:30pm the same day Dr Kwasniewski will deliver a lecture “On Living Tradition: The Basic Good of Catholic Culture and the Spiritual Discipline of Fine Art” at St Augustine’s. Admission to both the Mass and the lecture is free,
Shrine Manager Father Simon Heans said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Peter Kwasniewski a world class composer of sacred music to our beautiful world class church for this very special event. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin designed St Augustine’s to appeal to all the senses as well as to the spirit, and music was a very important part of the vision for his ‘perfect church’.
“These gothic interiors were designed to resound with sacred music and this is a not-to-be missed opportunity that we hope many of our friends and neighbours in Ramsgate will enjoy.”
The Shrine Church of St Augustine & National Pugin Centre is in St Augustine’s Road, Ramsgate.