Later this month, Deacon Nickolas Naticchione will be giving a concert featuring secular music that speaks to the spiritual life.
“From Stage to Soul” will be held at 4 p.m. on July 27 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish, Glassboro.
The latest in a series of musical performances by the seminarian, the concert will include music from Broadway, feature films, opera, and notable artists such as Andrea Bocelli and Simon & Garfunkel.
The music selections are ones that can elevate the soul, said Deacon Naticchione, who is currently assigned to Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish. “These pieces will help us go past what we experience in the world, and help us encounter something higher.”
“Nessun Dorma” from Giacomo Puccini’s 20th century opera “Turandot,” is one of Deacon Naticchione’s favorites that he is looking forward to performing.
The emotional Italian aria, from the perspective of a suitor determined to win the heart of a princess, has great spiritual significance, he said. As the man professes his love in the middle of the night, he confidently brushes aside attempts at his life, and proclaims, “At dawn, I will win!”
The singer’s emotions “echo the general journey of the sufferings we go through as Christians in our own dark nights,” Deacon Naticchione said.
As well, the suitor’s belief that he will achieve the final victory mirrors “our confidence that by holding onto the faith, and clinging to God, we will rise with Him,” he said.
Another piece the audience can expect to hear, is “Bring Him Home,” another favorite of Deacon Naticchione, from the musical “Les Misérables.”
As young French revolutionaries go to battle, the musical’s protagonist, Jean Valjean, prays to God for their safety and expresses willingness to risk his own life for them.
The cries of Valjean – “Let him be … If I die, let me die” – are not unlike the Christian’s call “to lay down one’s life” for their neighbor, with no greater love, Deacon Naticchione said.
The deacon added that he hopes to one day “personify those lyrics as, God willing, a priest, ready to lay down my life for my flock.”
Overall, Deacon Naticchione hopes attendees “experience elevation and transcendence as they grow closer to God and foster their relationship with Him.”
For more information on “From Stage to Soul” with Deacon Naticchione, visit sites.google.com/view/nbnmusicmin or follow “Naticchione Music Ministries” on Facebook. Our Lady of Lourdes Church is located at 100 Greentree Road, Glassboro.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
