Nearly 50 South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities (SCGSAH) music students traveled to Italy for spring break (March 8 – March 16), which included a performance in Vatican City the week Pope Francis was elected. Among those students was Kristina Osborn of Latta.
The students were part of the SCGSAH Music Department’s biennial performance tour of Europe. The trip included 10 parent chaperones and four faculty members, including Chair of the SCGSAH Music Department Dr. David Hamilton. They presented concerts in each of three cities: Cremona, the birthplace of string instruments; Florence, the jewel of the Italian Renaissance; and Rome, the Eternal City, while also experiencing the rich art history these cities have to offer.
“Performing in Cremona, Florence, and Rome was so different than what we experience here. People who come to hear us perform in Greenville know us, so of course they appreciate our music,” says Kristina.
“But having people who didn’t know who we were and didn’t even speak our language wait on the streets for us, just to give us another standing ovation, really opened all of our eyes as to how much of a universal language music really is.”
The timing could not have been better for this particular trip, which happened to coincide with the papal conclave following the resignation of Pope Benedict.
The students received the news that the new Pope was elected via social media as the group was traveling in Florence.
After hearing the news, the students were able to understand and fully experience the ringing of the bells throughout the city of Arno.
The trip’s high point came in Rome when the students performed as the official choir for a Mass at Throne Altar at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Friday, March 15. The school had been invited to perform for the 500th Anniversary of the Capella Giulia.
Kristina was pre-selected to take an additional role in the service as a reader of the first lesson, which coincidentally occurred on her eighteenth birthday.
“Not only was I Catholic, turning 18, and excited about a new pope being elected just days before, but I was also selected to read a scripture during the Mass,” says Kristina. “I read the first reading, along with the response, and it was the most amazing experience I could imagine. While I was reading, I had to keep myself from getting distracted from the beauty of the Basilica. The main altar, which sits directly above St. Peter’s resting place, was in front of me and one of the most captivating things I have ever seen.”
Kristina notes that this spring break is one to remem“It is hard for me to put into words my experience on this trip, as well as my gratitude towards the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and the teachers who made this trip possible,” says Osborn.
“It was such an eye opening experience for everyone on the trip, and I wouldn’t have wanted my spring break any other way.”
Kristina Osborn formerly attended Latta High School. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Maribeth Osborn.
About the 500th Anniversary of the
Capella Giulia:
On the 19th of February 1593, at the eve of death, Pope Julius II signed the papal bull IN ALTISSIMO MILITANTIS ECCLESIÆ by order of which the Cappella Giulia was constituted.
The pontifical document was intended to provide more solemnity to the liturgical functions of the Vatican Basilica with musical executions of the highest artistic value.
Celebrations began February 22, 2013, day of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, with a solemn celebration presided by the Cardinal Archpriest of the Basilica and will be concluded on the November, 18, 2013, Solemnity of the Dedication of the Vatican Basilica.
