Denver Catholic

6 OCTOBER 24-NOVEMBER 13, 2015 | DENVER CATHOLIC Around the Archdiocese I f, as St. Augustine said, "music was given by God's generosity to mor- tals in order to lead them to higher things," then a new concert series at the Denver cathedral named for one of her unsung heroes will likely lead people straight to heaven. The Cathedral Basilica of the Immacu- late Conception will host a concert series called The Bosetti Concerts beginning Oct. 25. The series was named after Mon- signor Joseph Bosetti, an individual with deep connections to both the cathedral and the city of Denver. He is a storied man with whomFather Ron Cattany, pastor of the Cathedral Basilica, had a fascination long before he entered the seminary. "There are people in your life that you're aware of that you wish you had met, and he's one of those people I wish I'd met," Father Cattany said. Monsignor Bosetti immigrated to Col- orado from Italy for missionary work in 1911 and was appointed assistant pastor of the cathedral upon its dedication in 1912, a position he retained until his pass- ing in 1954. Bosetti played an integral role in not only the life of the cathedral but also in the overarching culture of Denver, Father Cattany said. A student of theol- ogy and the fi ne arts, he organized a male choir trained in classical music to sing at the cathedral and used them as the core of his Grand Opera Company. He would put on operas at the old Broadway the- ater for the people of Denver, an act that brought hope to the streets during the Great Depression. Monsignor Bosetti was also the founder of Camp St. Malo, the popular youth camp that became infamous when Pope Saint John Paul II stayed there during his visit to Colorado for World Youth Day in 1993. "[Bosetti] is one of those people you don't hear a lot about, but I think had a larger impact on the church and people's lives than they realize," Father Cattany said. "He did all of these wonderful things recognizing the importance of the church, not only in terms of people's spiritual lives, but in their social and family life too." When Father Cattany was appointed pastor of the Cathedral, he sought to bring back Monsignor Bosetti's memory and honor what he did, which is where the idea for the concert series came about. "It's a way for us to continue a tradition that he started," said Father Cattany. "By having these as free concerts on Sundays, it allows us to take the Catholic faith and share it with people in a form they don't have to pay for in the most beautiful venue in Denver." Cathedral organist and co-director of music Kathleen Maclean actively sought out artists to play the concert series and has put together quite an exciting lineup of both local and national artists. How- ever, some artists have reached out to her in the past about performing at the cathedral, and she made arrangements to have some of them perform as part of this series. One such artist is world-renowned organist Gail Archer from New York, who will open the series. "When I told some of the locals she was playing here, they said 'the Gail Archer? For free?' and I said, 'Yeah!'" Maclean said. "We're thrilled to have her." The series will also feature an Advent- themed lessons and carols session on Dec. 20. The Knights of Columbus are helping with the event, providing free parking for those who attend at the Knight of Colum- bus Hall at 1555 Grant St. The concerts will begin at 3 p.m. and immediately fol- lowing the performance, there will be an after-concert party featuring a meet and greet with the performer as well as a local artist showcase, also hosted by the Knights. Father Cattany said this is a great opportunity to showcase local musicians and artists. "We forget that sometimes the only reason people don't do things is because they weren't asked, so this is the oppor- tunity for us to ask people," he said. "God has given us a great place and he's also given us great talent in this community, and our job is to bring them together." The Bosetti Concerts are meant to be a reminder of what Denver once was and the role Monsignor Bosetti played in the culture of the city and the church, Father Cattany said. "There's something extraordinary about him and [there's] a legacy that helps defi ne Denver," he said. "As cities grow, they get further away from their roots and who they are, and I think part of the role of the Catholic Church is to bring people back to the basics of their faith and who they are. Bosetti is a good reminder of who we are." More than this though, Father Cattany wants this concert series to lift the city's spirits and further the cathedral's role as a beacon of hope in the heart of Denver, just as Monsignor Bosetti did during his time. "The biggest gift that the Catholic Church gives the world is hope," Father Cattany said. "What I want is this concert series to bring hope back to this area. Any form of beauty brings us to a level of spir- ituality, and what I'm hoping is that the beauty of this music will not only raise our spiritual wellness, but also bring hope to this area and in that beauty, we fi nd God." CALL NOW: 1-877-230-1381 ymtvacations.com Mention promo code EC0961 ONLY 1 DEPARTURE Grand European Cruise & Tour 18 days from $ 1,899 * How would you like to visit 8 countries in Europe and only unpack once? See Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, England, Netherlands, Germany & Sweden in one trip at a relaxed pace and without the hassle of packing and unpacking, again and again. Departs April 21, 2016 * Prices are per person, double occupancy. Plus $ 299 taxes & government fees. Based on base cabin category. Cabin upgrades are available, as is add-on airfare. Receive $ 150 p/p in Vacation Fun money if booked by 12/31/15, Fun Money will be distributed by Visa gift card and mailed out after nal payment is received. Seasonal surcharges and single supplements may apply. Ask your Travel Consultant for details. Reserve now & get $ 150 p/p in Vacation Fun Money! Cathedral concert series honors unsung Denver hero THE BOSETTI CONCERTS Oct. 25 Gail Archer, Organ Nov. 15 Cure D'Ars, Choir Nov. 29 Kathryn Radkovich, Soprano Dec. 13 Allison Williams, Organist Dec. 20 Lessons and Carols with the Cathedral Choir i Monsignor Joseph Bosetti fi rst brought concerts to the Cathedral in the early 1900. BY AARON LAMBERT 303-715-3138 aaron.lambert@archden.org www.twitter.com/AaronLmbrt PHOTO BY AARON LAMBERT/DENVER CATHOLIC | INSERT DENVER CATHOLIC FILE PHOTO

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