Three Malvernians Earn Spots in Papal Choir

Malvern students Nick Gatti (left) and Christian Frank will be singing at the Papal Mass on Sunday, September 27.

Yes, Malvern junior Nick Gatti admits, the thought of singing in front of a crowd of more than one million people is nerve-racking, but his enthusiasm for singing with the Archdiocesan High School Papal Choir dwarfs his nervousness. “The Papal Mass is going to be a sight and experience I will remember for the rest of my life,” he says. “I am overflowing with excitement and extremely thankful for the opportunity to sing for the Pope.”

Gatti will be joined in the choir by sophomore Christian Franck and alumnus Phil Daubney ‘15. They will be performing at the Papal Mass in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 27.

Gatti, Franck and Daubney were three of 50 (32 girls and 18 boys) chosen from a pool of 80 Archdiocesan high school singers who auditioned this summer. Grueling three-hour practices at the Cathedral Bascilica of Saints Peter and Paul or the Kimmel Center are mandatory, but the students are enjoying the experience and relishing the chance to rehearse with exceptional coaches and fellow students.

“We sing almost everything in Latin, so it is tough, but I have been astounded by the adults that have been practicing with us, just how pure and loud their voices sounds as one,” Gatti reports. “I am trying to be as stress-free as possible. I am having fun with it and trying to enjoy every moment.”

Gatti, Franck and Daubney have all participated in Malvern’s Liturgical Music Group, directed by Ed Liga. See the Pope Francis Welcome Video that the School produced featuring “We Are One Body,” performed by the group.