[19th International Festival of Sacred Music and Art, 2020] Notice of Cancellation of Participation
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra in Residence / Illuminart Philharmonic Orchestra & Illuminart Chorus, Honorary Partner Orchestra & Chorus
We would like to begin by expressing our sincere condolences to those who have passed away amidst the current global outbreak of novel coronavirus. We would also like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to those who have contracted the disease, as well as those living in uncertainty as a result of it.
Illuminart Artistic Director Tomomi Nishimoto along with the executive offices of the Illuminart Philharmonic Orchestra and Illuminart Chorus began making preparations for the 19th International Festival of Sacred Music and Art 2020, scheduled to be held this November, from the time the decision was made to invite them. However, due to the current global outbreak of novel coronavirus, they have made a decision to cancel their participation in this year's Festival due to health and safety concerns for its participants, as well as because a judgment was made that it would be difficult to hold this year's Festival.
This Festival held in the holy land of the Vatican is supported by the efforts of many individuals and organizations throughout the world, including the Vatican. It holds prayers and hopes from people around the world.
We pray for your health, the soonest possible end to this difficult situation, and for the day to come when we can once more gather to share in music.
[The International Festival of Sacred Music and Art]
Tomomi Nishimoto, the Illuminart Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Illuminart Chorus Throughout the Years
2013: Tomomi Nishimoto is invited by the International Festival of Sacred Music and Art
June: Tomomi Nishimoto receives a special audience with the Pope.
November: The Illuminart Philharmonic Orchestra and the Illuminart Chorus become the first Asian group in history to be invited to the International Festival of Sacred Music and Art. Their performances during mass at Saint Peter's Basilica and the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls receive great acclaim.
*Mass Theme: (2013: Devoted to the election of the new Pope Francis)
Since 2014, they have been invited back as the Festival's main orchestra alongside the Vienna Philharmonic. The Holy Mass Celebrated on Behalf of the Pope at Saint Peter's Basilica is broadcast to about 35 countries around the world by way of Vatican Radio. News reports are made on broadcasting channels in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Russia.
2014: Tomomi Nishimoto attends a general audience with the Pope.
Tomomi Nishimoto is awarded an honorary award alongside Nikolaus Harnoncourt from the Vatican's musical foundation (making her the youngest recipient ever of the honor).
A historical joint performance is held with the Sistine Chapel Choir at a Holy Mass Celebrated on Behalf of the Pope at Saint Peter's Basilica.
*Mass Theme: (2014: Devoted to the year of the beatification ceremony of Pope Paul VI)
2015: Tomomi Nishimoto is entrusted with a personal letter from the Vatican to the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Tomomi Nishimoto's message of mourning for those lost in the dropping of atomic bombs presented to the world during a universal prayer at a Holy Mass Celebrated on Behalf of the Pope at Saint Peter's Basilica is transmitted globally.
*Mass Theme: (2015: Devoted to the 10-year anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death)
2016: A historical joint performance is held with the Sistine Chapel Choir at a Holy Mass Celebrated on Behalf of the Pope at Saint Peter's Basilica.
*Mass Theme: (Dedicated to the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and Saint Mother Teresa)
2017: The Illuminart Philharmonic Orchestra and Illuminart Chorus are awarded the title of Honorary Partner Orchestra and Chorus of the International Festival of Sacred Music and Art.
Raitei Arima, representative of the Kyoto Buddhist Organization and chief priest at Chokokuji Temple, presents a message to the world on behalf of Buddhists at a Holy Mass Celebrated on Behalf of the Pope at Saint Peter's Basilica.
*Mass Theme: (2017: Dedicated to Our Lady Fatima, the Blessed Virgin Mary)
2018: Tomomi Nishimoto receives a special audience with the Pope.
*Mass Theme: (2018: The year of the canonization ceremony for Pope Paul VI)
2019: A performance is held at a mass held by Cardinal A. Comastri, Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, during the mass held by the Pope at St. Peter's Square.
During a universal prayer at a [Holy Mass Celebrated on Behalf of the Pope], Junko Sato presents a message on behalf of the Tohoku region, Fukushima, and Illuminart.
The title bestowed in December 2017 of Honorary Partner Orchestra and Chorus of the International Festival of Sacred Music and Art is given at an International Festival of Sacred Music and Art performance at Saint Peter's Basilica.
*Mass Theme: (2019: Devoted to Saint Mother Theresa)