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Romaeterna Cantores: A New Musical Season at Santa Maria in Cappella

Immagine del redattore: Romaeterna CantoresRomaeterna Cantores

Romaeterna Cantores, the distinguished vocal ensemble dedicated to sacred music, has found a new home in one of Rome’s most historic churches: Santa Maria in Cappella. This ancient church, located in the charming alleyway between Piazza dei Mercanti and Via Augusto Jandolo, offers an inspiring setting for the choir’s artistic and research-driven endeavors. In addition to rehearsing in this historic venue, Romaeterna Cantores is set to inaugurate a new concert season here, further enriching the city’s cultural and musical landscape.

Santa Maria in Cappella, a small yet significant Roman church, has a long and storied history. Founded on March 25, 1090, during the papacy of Urban II (1088-1090), the church was originally known as "Santa Maria ad Pineam." An ancient inscription within the church records this name, which over time was misinterpreted, leading to its current title, "in Cappella." Some scholars believe the name originated from the Latin term "appella," meaning "called," while others suggest it may refer to a preexisting chapel on the site or even derive from "cupella," a small barrel. This latter theory is supported by the church’s historical connection to the Confraternity of the Barrel Makers (Barilari), who maintained it for centuries.

In 1391, Santa Maria in Cappella underwent significant restoration under the patronage of Andreozzo Ponziani, the father-in-law of Saint Francesca Romana. Adjacent to the church, he built a hospital named "del Santissimo Salvatore," where Saint Francesca Romana dedicated herself to the care of the sick. Following her passing, the property was inherited by the nuns of Tor de’ Specchi, who later transferred ownership to the Confraternity of the Barilari in 1540. Over the centuries, the church and its surrounding structures gradually fell into decline until Pope Innocent X entrusted its restoration to Olimpia Maidalchini Pamphilj in 1653.

Olimpia Maidalchini, a powerful noblewoman and sister-in-law of the pope, transformed the complex, creating a vast garden that stretched down to the Tiber River. The property remained under the Pamphilj family until 1797, when it was granted to the Sodalizio dei Marinari di Ripa e Ripetta, who undertook further renovations.

Now, in the 21st century, Romaeterna Cantores is reviving the musical tradition within these historic walls. Their upcoming concert season at Santa Maria in Cappella promises to bring sacred music back to this extraordinary venue, blending historical research with artistic excellence. This initiative not only honors the church’s rich past but also ensures that its spiritual and cultural heritage remains vibrant for future generations.

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