A sung Mass by the Big Vocal Orchestra

March 8, 2026

Not a concert, but a true liturgical celebration enlivened by the singing voices of the Big Vocal Orchestra. On Sunday, March 15, the 10:30 AM community Mass of the Frari parish will be accompanied by the singing of the Venetian voices of the choir directed by Marco Toso Borella, with a selection of sacred pieces suitable for the various liturgical moments.

Within the vast repertoire of the Big Vocal Orchestra, Maestro Marco Toso Borella has selected some of the most iconic sacred pieces, perfect for accompanying the beginning or end of the celebration, such as the gospels “Thou Lord” and “Awesome God-He Reigns,” or for the intimacy and sacredness of the offertory and communion, such as “In Monte Oliveti,” “Total Praise,” and “Ave Verum Corpus.”

For over 12 years, the choir of Venetian citizens known as Italy’s largest choir, with over 200 members, has been a guest of the Frari parish in Venice—as well as the parish of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Mestre—for its weekly rehearsals inside the Teatro dei Frari. “It is a place,” explains director Marco Toso Borella, “that for us has never been just a ‘rehearsal room,’ but a ‘home.’ We have always interacted with the community where possible, and for this reason, we experience with great enthusiasm this opportunity to offer our singing within the most significant moment of the parish community’s life: the Sunday Eucharistic celebration. Although our choir carries out a purely secular artistic activity, we feel deeply part of the city’s fabric and therefore also of the ecclesial one. As a choir of ‘Venetian citizens,’ we are at the service of the city and therefore also of the Church of Venice.”

In the spirit of sharing and participation that characterizes the group, an open rehearsal will be offered to the city and the community on FRIDAY, MARCH 13 from 6 PM to 7 PM at the Teatro dei Frari, to practice the songs for the Mass together. Admission is open to all.