A choir and a wind orchestra travel to Rome
The canton of Schwyz will be the official guest canton at the swearing-in ceremony of the papal Swiss Guard in the Vatican on May 6, 2014. The mass and swearing-in ceremony will be accompanied by music formations from the canton. The cantonal government of Schwyz has decided which ones will perform.
The cantonal government has chosen the Schwyz Cantonal Youth Wind Orchestra (SKJBO) under the direction of Urs Bamert as the musical ensemble. It will provide the musical backdrop for the aperitif and swearing-in ceremony at the Sacco di Roma.
Among the choirs, the Singkreis Brunnen has been chosen. It will make its main appearance during the mass in St. Peter's Basilica on the morning of the swearing-in ceremony. This is also the main reason why the choice fell on a church choir and not a yodeling, traditional costume or men's choir, the canton writes in the official press release.
With the swearing-in ceremony for the new recruits on May 6, the Swiss Guard commemorates the Sacco di Roma, the sack of Rome on May 6, 1527, during which the Swiss Guard defended Pope Clement VII.
Since 2008, the Swiss Guard has chosen a guest canton for these celebrations every year. In 2014, this will be the canton of Schwyz, which will travel to Rome with an official delegation - led by the cantonal government, which will take part in the Sacco die Roma in corpore.
