In 1993, Carma Romano formed a chamber choir in Denver, Colorado. The occasion was "World Youth Day," an outreach program begun by Pope John Paul II, who presided over the gathering that summer. Carma Romano collected young people from the Archdiocese of Denver and beyond and formed them into an ensemble that served at a number of the liturgies during the event.
After World Youth Day, the musicians wished to stay together under Carma Romano-LaMorte's direction, and the name of the ensemble was changed to The Musicians of Saint Clare, or "Clare Choir." Pope John Paul II invited the choir to the Vatican several times in subsequent years
In 1996, the Musicians of Saint Clare became an an independent, ecumenical, international touring chamber ensemble known for its precision, power, and stunning performances of great choral works. and since then has maintained a busy yearly concert schedule augmented by frequent European concert tours and participation in choral festivals internationally. In November, 2003, the choir performed the Mozart Requiem in Rome with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Russia. Most recently, in November of 2006, the choir performed in the Sistine Chapel as well as in larger venues in Rome and Assisi. The choir typically also gives three to four concerts a year in the Denver area. It also participates in area liturgies--both Catholic and ecumenical.
To hear Clare Choir is a remarkable experience unlike no other. Carma Romano (now Romano-LaMorte) inspires in the choir an unparalleled musical and vocal excellence. From a cappella concerts of the works of Palestrina to the Mozart Requiem with full orchestra to contemporary polyphony by local and international composers, Clare Choir aspires to reach the widest possible audience with this wonderful traditional music. |