Tenerife Musicians Finalize Preparations for Upcoming Papal Visit

Preparations for the Pope’s upcoming visit to Tenerife have reached their final stages. According to the newspaper El Día, 150 musicians and choristers are currently rehearsing at the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra headquarters. The event’s liturgy coordinator, Canon Norberto Hernández, is overseeing this massive logistical and artistic effort, which highlights the scale of the preparations required for such a significant occasion.

The ensemble is led by the Island Federation of Bands of Tenerife, which brings together musicians from 37 local groups. Under the direction of Mauro Fariña, the group includes members from the Orfeón La Paz and the La Epifanía group, with the Coral Novae Vocal Ensemble expected to join soon. While this performance also marks the 25th anniversary of the Island Band, the group faces some uncertainty; several members, including public school teachers, are still waiting for clear guidance from the Canary Islands Ministry of Education regarding their work schedule for June 12.

The musical program for the papal Mass features both new compositions and historically significant works. Highlights include "Alza la mirada al amor" ("Raise Your Gaze to Love"), written by poet Eduardo Duque and organist Juan Luis Bardón, as well as a liturgical piece by the late Bishop Felipe Fernández based on the writings of Saint John of the Cross. Additionally, Irene Fariña’s "Ad Lucem" will be performed as the Pope enters the venue.

The ensemble showcases the diversity of Tenerife’s music scene, ranging from veterans like Antonio Lorenzo and Julián Brito Serrador—who has performed for previous popes in Rome—to young talents like 17-year-old bassoonist Mateo. The intense rehearsal schedule reflects the dedication of local cultural institutions to what is set to be a landmark event for the region.