Catholic youths on a concert tour will share their musical talents with Denverites next week during a series of performances featuring “mountain music.”
Some 40 performers on The Young Catholic Musicians organization based in St. Louis will give three concerts starting June 3. The small orchestra and choir will perform at 1:30 p.m. June 3 at the Mullen Home for the Aged, noon June 5 at the state Capitol downtown, and 10 a.m. June 6 at the Gardens of St. Elizabeth.
“I’m really excited,” said youth president Bobby Donnelly, 17. “It’s a really fun way for us to give back to the community.”
Their Denver concert will include music with mountain themes, including Diana Ross’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” and Alabama’s “Mountain Music.”
The group performs liturgical music at Masses across Missouri throughout the year and goes on a Christmas and summer tour to perform patriotic and popular music from New York to Florida to Texas. This their 40th year of performing.
“I think it’s a unique group,” said music director Father Bruce Forman. “I don’t know any other group in the country that is leading Mass with an orchestra and choir.”
He said the group is focused on youth ministry first and ministering to others second.
“These are young people who are dedicating time and talents to benefit us,” he said.
The group is made of youths ages 10 to 17 who participate in the orchestra or choir. The orchestra includes violins, cellos, flutes, trumpets, percussion instruments, drums and an electric guitar.
The group is dedicated to teaching the youth leadership skills including persistence, dedication, punctuality and more, he said. Many youth members have gone on to choose careers or vocations related to music.
“They can choose different life tracks and use the gifts God gave them and use it in his service,” Father Forman said.
Donnelly said he looks forward to bringing some joy to people in Denver. Often those who listen to the concert calling it “moving” and “joyful,” he said.
The Young Catholic Musicians Denver schedule
1:30 p.m. June 3 at the Mullen Home for the Aged, 3629 W. 29th Ave., Denver
Noon June 5 at the state Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
10 a.m. June 6 at the Gardens of St. Elizabeth, 2835 W. 32nd Ave., Denver
Visit www.archstl.org/musicians for more information.
