About us

The Cappella Musicale di Santa Maria del Fiore - is the name of the polyphonic choir that accompanies the liturgies celebrated by the Archbishop in Florence Cathedral.
The Choir was founded in 1439 when – after the Ecumenical Council moved from Ferrara to Florence - Cosimo de’ Medici created the “Saint John’s Choristers Musical Chapel” - La Cappella Musicale dei Cantori di San Giovanni  - for the Baptistery.  Subsequently the Choir moved to the Cathedral where it performs today under the name of the “Cappella Musicale di Santa Maria del Fiore”.

The task of the “Cappella Musicale” is to ensure the songs are performed correctly, according to the various different musical genres.  It also promotes the active participation of the congregation during liturgical celebrations, in accordance with the objectives of Vatican II: “The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. Choirs must be diligently promoted, especially in cathedral churches; but bishops and other pastors of souls must be at pains to ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightly theirs…” (Sc,114)

The Cappella Musicale provides a service to the Church and congregation, by praying and helping prayer through song.  In addition to liturgical music, the Choir also studies and performs Gregorian Chants, classical polyphony and songs by the great authors of choral music.

The Choir Master continues the ancient tradition of directing and conducting the choir, planning the musical repertoire and composing new music for the various liturgical celebrations held in the cathedral.