JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 The Touring Choir of the Jacksonville Children\u2019s Chorus gave a brief performance in St. Peter\u2019s Square during the blessing of the cr\u00e8che on New Year\u2019s Eve, receiving a blessing from Pope Leo XIV as they shared a brief performance with the crowd.<\/p>\n
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Darren Dailey, the director of the Jacksonville Children\u2019s Chorus, noted that this experience was particularly meaningful for the children. The choir has performed internationally before, but this visit was spurred by the announcement of an American pope. Dailey reached out to friends about returning to Rome, where the choir could experience the art of the Vatican and the grand organ at St. Peter\u2019s.<\/p>\n During their performance, Dailey stated, \u201cIt\u2019s just such a long-lasting experience for them to take in the art that the Vatican Museums, the music of other choirs, the grand organ at Saint Peter\u2019s, which got piped into the square while we were out there waiting, one of the most incredible pipe organs in the world.\u201d <\/p>\n Dailey expressed pride in his choir, mentioning that no matter how high-profile the audience may be, \u201cthese kids are always ready to do what they do best– perform.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cIf you want your child to have experiences that are so broad and rich, and your kid is just how many are tuned in the kitchen putting the dishes in the dishwasher, that\u2019s a perfect sign that they should be auditioning for the Jacksonville Children\u2019s Chorus.\u201d<\/p>\n The choir has previously visited Italy and other countries, gaining valuable international experience through their performances. <\/p>\n [DOWNLOAD: <\/b>Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks<\/b><\/a>]<\/b><\/p>\n