Tenerife Cabildo Honors Cultural Contributors to Papal Mass and Announces New Choral Federation
The Tenerife Cabildo hosted a reception honoring the cultural and musical contributors to the recent papal mass in Santa Cruz, marking a step toward professionalizing the island's choral community under the "Sustainable Island Cultural Strategies 2026-2030."
The Tenerife Island Palace recently hosted a special reception to highlight the Cabildo’s commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage. The event celebrated the technical and artistic success behind the Eucharist mass led by Pope Leo XIV in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife on June 12.
Beyond the religious significance, the island’s administration wanted to recognize the logistical effort and artistic skill required for the day’s music. Vice President Lope Afonso and Minister of Culture, Museums, and Sports José Carlos Acha praised the work of the many cultural groups involved, coordinated by Canon Norberto González.
The musical centerpiece was Julio Navarro Grau’s Canarian Mass. The performance featured a large choir led by Roxana Schmunk and the Novae Vocal Ensemble, with organist Juan Luis Bardón and soloists Arantxa Cooper, Montserrat Giró, Jorge Cordero, and Andrés Campovari. The Orfeón La Paz of La Laguna, conducted by Juan Felipe Rodríguez Hernández, performed the liturgical repertoire, while the Island Band, led by Mauro Fariña, provided instrumental accompaniment.
This recognition is part of the "Sustainable Island Cultural Strategies 2026-2030." The Department of Culture aims to strengthen the island’s musical community, with plans to establish a Tenerife Choir Federation. This initiative seeks to professionalize and coordinate choral groups across all 31 municipalities, ensuring that the high level of talent displayed during the papal visit is supported by stable public policy. The reception marks the end of a successful collaboration that the Cabildo hopes will serve as a model for future cultural management.