An Aberdeen University professor has said he is “humbled” that one of his compositions will be performed for Pope Francis tomorrow.
Professor Paul Mealor’s piece, Ubi Caritas, was previously heard by 2.5 billion people – the largest audience in broadcasting history – when it was performed by the choirs of Westminster Abbey at the royal wedding in 2011.
And now the internationally renowned piece will be heard live by the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics in Philadelphia, as his tour of the United States continues.
It will be sung by the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale as part of the Prayer Vigil for Families at the city’s famous Benjamin Franklin Parkway boulevard.
Prof Mealor said: “It’s a bit daunting, but it’s of course an enormous honour.
“The Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale is perhaps one of the best groups there is in the United States, which is absolutely wonderful.
“The piece, Ubi Caritas, has kind of taken on a life of its own, and it really is a great honour for me that it has been chosen for this.”
As well as Ubi Caritas, Prof Mealor also cinched the Christmas number one spot in 2011 with his song Wherever you Are, which was performed by the Military Wives Choir.
He added: “His Holiness seems to be a great lover of music, and it is incredible that one of my own compositions will be heard by him at this concert.
“It’s going to be going out live on American television, but I think there should be a way to find it being streamed online as well.
“It’s going to be a truly humbling experience.”