Friday, September 15, 2006

Calling out to Allah in Milwaukee Cathedral

The sound of cannons will explode tonight from within the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
. . .
The performance of "The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace," by the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee archdiocesan and St. Sebastian choirs will commemorate Sept. 11, 2001, in a powerful and different way.

Perhaps the most appropriate soloist is Amjad Khleifat, who was approached by Milwaukee Archdiocesan Choir Director Jeff Honore and Kamenski to perform the second movement's "Adhaan" or "Call to Prayers," which Jenkins indicated should be recited in its native Arabic.

From the marbled ambo in the center of the cathedral Sunday, Khleifat covered his ears and rehearsed, calling out to Allah in a sweeping, sitar-like voice..."Lord grant us strength to die!"

Too much for words...Isn't Archbishop Dolan in charge?

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