Polish Choir Deepens Ties with Chennai Through Pilgrimage and Concert

Chennai, Sept. 5, 2025: A 45-member Polish choir, Concerto Glacenzis from Kłodzko, visited Chennai from August 18 to 24 as part of a cultural exchange with the Madras Musical Association (MMA). The visit, which followed MMA’s tour of Poland in October 2023, sought to deepen cultural and spiritual ties through a pilgrimage and collaborative concerts.

The choir began its visit with a pilgrimage to some of Chennai’s prominent Christian sites, starting with the Annai Vailankanni Shrine in Besant Nagar on August 19. Known for its interfaith devotion to Our Lady of Good Health, the shrine left a profound impression on the ensemble. Inside its sanctuary, they performed a heartfelt rendition of Ave Maria, turning their music into a prayer of gratitude and unity.

The choir’s spiritual journey continued at St. Thomas Mount, where they walked in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle, venerated ancient relics, and prayed at the historic stone cross associated with his martyrdom. The visit evoked deep emotion among the members of the choir, who felt deeply humbled to tread upon the same earth sanctified by the footsteps of an Apostle of Christ.

Beyond pilgrimage, the choir fully immersed itself in Chennai’s cultural fabric during their visit. They explored T. Nagar, the bustling heart of the city, where they jammed with local percussionists and experienced the thrill of South Indian rhythms. Afterward, they wandered through vibrant traditional shopping streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Their journey continued with an exciting trip to the Crocodile Park and a visit to Dakshina Chitra, a heritage center that brings South India’s diverse arts and traditions to life. These experiences deepened their appreciation of the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

The highlight of the choir’s visit was a joint concert with the Madras Musical Association at the Egmore Museum Theatre on 22nd August. They captivated the audience with a performance of sacred and classical repertoire, showcasing the unifying power of music. The Chennai audience experienced the event not only as an artistic performance but also as a spiritual encounter, as the choir infused every note with deep devotion.

The choir’s visit culminated on August 24th at the historic Santhome Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. After attending Sunday Mass, the conductors of the choir joined the parish ensemble for a post-Mass concert, lifting their voices in thanksgiving at one of Christendom’s most revered sites.

As they returned to Poland, the Concerto Glacenzis Choir carried home not only memories of an acclaimed performance but also the spiritual treasures of their pilgrimage. They returned with hearts full of gratitude—for the communion of cultures, the blessings of their pilgrimage, and the universal language of music that unites the faithful across the world.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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