Vatican concert unites Jews, Muslims and Christians

ROME - 19th January 2004

The Pope, with Israel's two Chief Rabbis, the director general of the Chief Rabbinate, and leading Muslim clerics, attended the premier of a new choral work by an American composer on Saturday night in the Paul VI Hall.

The title of the work, performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Gilbert Levine, was 'Abraham' - the name of the biblical patriarch revered by members of all three faiths - and the evening was dedicated to reconciliation between Jews, Christians and Muslims.

The inter-faith theme of the concert was echoed among the performers - a mixed choir consisting of singers from the London Philharmonic, from Turkey, from the Pope's own home town of Krakow in Poland and from Pittsburgh in the United States.

Gilbert Levine used to direct the Krakow Symphony Orchestra and is a personal friend of the Pope.

During his welcoming speech on Friday, Pope John Paul said: "the official dialogue established between the Catholic Church and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel is a sign of great hope. We must spare no effort in working together to build a world of justice, peace and reconciliation for all peoples. May Divine Providence bless our work and crown it with success!"