Fri 2 Oct
The Canticle of the Sun
The Melody of Life by St. Francis of Assisi
10:15pm | St. Stephen's Cathedral
Ticket distribution begins on September 1
Anlässlich To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, a cultural event of the highest caliber is taking place: As part of the three-day St. Francis Festival, music-loving Vienna Archbishop Josef Grünwidl, actor Cornelius Obonya, and Peter Planyavsky—the doyen of the Austrian organ scene and a world-renowned organ improviser—will perform a joint interpretation of St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Sun” at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The Canticle of the Sun (Cantico di Frate Sole) is a prayer composed by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. It praises the beauty of creation and gives thanks to God for it. This hymn is considered the oldest surviving example of Italian literature.
St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most popular saints worldwide. People of various religious backgrounds feel a connection to the saint and see him as a role model. In the evening hours of October 3, 1226, St. Francis of Assisi passed away surrounded by his fellow friars and, according to popular belief, entered into heavenly life. This year marks the 800th anniversary of that event. The three-day St. Francis Festival follows in the footsteps of the great saint.
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