Events

LIGHTING OF MAGNIFICENT, NEWLY RESTORED MURAL SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 8TH AT CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH

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Public Invited to Rededication, Expert's Presentation on the Mural's Significance & Restoration

In March 2011, Corpus Christi Church commissioned renowned art conservator Roman Kujawa to restore its iconic mural above the church altar. This exquisite artwork, which is a signature element of the church interior, is a rendering of a Vatican masterpiece by celebrated, Renaissance painter Raphael Santi. The mural was originally painted in the 1920’s by Marion Rzeznik, in collaboration with Gonippo Raggi, both of whom were considered premier, 20th century artists of ecclesias-tical paintings. This high profile restoration project is nearing completion, and will be officially unveiled with new lighting, and rededicated on Sunday January 8 during the 11:30a.m. Holy Mass. A presentation by Mr. Kujawa on the mural restoration will follow. All are cordially invited to attend.

Mr. Kujawa received his training in art conservation in his native Krakow, Poland, and has a Masters Degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. For the past twenty years, he has restored art treasures in European museums, palaces, and churches, as well as some of the most valuable works of art in public and private collections. In 1995, he restored the gilded crown molding in the Blue Room of the White House.

Mr. Kujawa has been astonished by the magnificence of both Corpus Christi Church and the mural itself, titled “The Disputation of the Blessed Sacrament” (or more commonly known as the Disputà). When asked why this particular mural is of such importance, he cites Pope John Paul II, who referred to Rafael’s painting as the second greatest religious painting of all time, second only to the Sistine Chapel, for its representation of the “Summa Theologica” of the Catholic faith. Mr. Kujawa notes that, “The Corpus Christi Disputà mural is, without question, one of the most significant pieces of ecclesiastical artwork in the United States, and the mural’s epic subject matter represents an important extension of European civilization in the New World.”

In addition, he believes that, “The artistic caliber of Rzeznik’s painting rivals some of the most famous murals in this country, including those in the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Treasury Department.”  [Read more…]

Sounds of the Season Concert at Corpus Christi

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Opera-Lytes is pleased to announce a December performance of “Sounds of the Season”, a concert of sacred and secular Christmas music. The performance will take place on Sunday, December 4th at Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark St. in Buffalo, beginning at 2pm. All are welcome to attend. There is no admission charge, but a free will donation is appreciated.

Opera-Lytes, a theatre company based in Amherst, NY, has been in existence for 17 years. The group specializes in performing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and “classic” Broadway musicals. In addition to this, the group also performs two to three choral concerts each season. Opera-Lytes is the only theatre company in the area that performs Gilbert and Sullivan on an annual basis, presenting fully staged productions with orchestral accompaniment. The group has performed in such area venues as the Lancaster Opera House, Ujima TheatreLoft, the Alleyway Theatre, and the Riviera Theatre.

“Sounds of the Season” will feature soloists and chorus in a concert presentation of Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one act opera by composer Gian Carlo Menotti .This heartwarming Christmas opera tells the story of Amahl, a poor shepherd boy, who with his Mother encounters the three Kings on their journey to meet the Holy Child. The second half of the program will include a choral presentation of sacred and secular Christmas favorites. Selections will include “The First Noel”, “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day”, “Deck the Hall”, and a medley of holiday songs by American composer Irving Berlin, and more. There will also be an audience carol sing along at each performance.

Opera-Lytes “Sounds of the Season” will be music directed by Paul Waara, joined by guest conductor Jill Neuhaus, and accompanied by James Welch. For further information about this holiday performance, please contact Corpus Christi Church at 896-1050. Information can also be found on Opera-Lytes website, www.operalytes.com.