Album Notes

The Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine Choir is the resident professional choir-in-residence at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, the last great Marian shrine of the Second Millennium, which opened in 1993. The Shrine Choir was formed to minister to the many thousands of tourists who attend Mass at the Shrine, and to provide the very best in liturgical choral music. The Choir’s members come from all parts of the United States, and all have extensive choral experience. In addition to singing regularly at Basilica liturgies on Sundays and Holy Days, the Shrine Choir performs concerts and other outreach ministries.

Featured on this recording are: Elizabeth Ledger-Garozzo (soprano), Mandy Morton (soprano), Christy Dillon (soprano), Terrah Bradshaw-Denham (alto), D’Lynn Everett (alto), Joseph Lamy (tenor), Marshall Webb( tenor), Morris Hudson (baritone) and Paul Munson (bass)

Dr. William Picher (director) was born to a musical family in Portland, Maine and began taking organ lessons with his father, Frank Picher, at the age of 7. At age 13, he began study of trumpet and has continued playing both instruments throughout his career, as well as composing, conducting and teaching.

Dr. Picher holds music degrees from the University of Maine, Eastman School of Music and Catholic University of America. He as has served at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Portland, Maine), the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (St. Petersburg, Florida) and as a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington DC. He has composed and arranged several published choral and brass works. In 2000, Dr. Picher was awarded the St. Jude Medal by Bishop Robert Lynch in recognition for his service to the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle and the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Currently, Dr. Picher serves as Director of Music/Organist and the Artistic Director of the Basilica Concert Series at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.

ALBUM NOTES:
Dear Friends,

You are holding in your hands the premiere full length recording of the Shrine Choir, the professional choir-in-residence at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Florida. This is a dream that has been unfolding for many years now, and we are very proud to be presenting this to you now for your enjoyment.

Included on this recording is a cross section of repertoire that we do throughout the year at the Shrine, in liturgy and concert. You will hear music ranging from ancient hymns of the Christian church, to traditional hymnody, to contemporary compositions, sung in English, Latin and even Russian. The Shrine Choir regularly sings God's praises to literally thousands of visitors who make their way to Central Florida every year to visit our area's many famous attractions.

It is our hope that you not only be entertained by this music, but spiritually moved, and we hope to see you soon at the Basilica!

Soli Deo Gloria,
William Picher