Musical Vespers of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music

Musical Vespers on the Aventine Hill

In the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the Aventine, one of Rome's most evocative hills, the Abbey Church of Sant'Anselmo (Ripa district) hosts a cycle of Musical Vespers curated by the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music (PIMS). These are not concerts, but authentic sung liturgical celebrations where evening prayer becomes an opportunity to experience the great tradition of sacred music live—from Gregorian chant to polyphony, organ works, and improvisation. It is an event that bridges the spiritual and artistic realms, welcoming both the faithful and music enthusiasts alike.

A Living Laboratory of Sacred Music

The Vespers are part of the liturgical and artistic programming of PIMS, the institution founded by the Holy See to train church musicians from around the world. The celebrations are led by students and professors from the Institute's various departments: choral singing and conducting, early music, composition, organ, and improvisation. Each service serves as a showcase for the university's pedagogy, where traditional repertoire engages in dialogue with contemporary research and the art of organ improvisation. In many cases, the Vespers are followed in the subsequent days by a sung Holy Mass led by the same departments.

The Setting: Sant'Anselmo all'Aventino

The abbey church, seat of the Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Order, is renowned throughout Rome for the beauty of its liturgies. Every evening, the monks chant Vespers here, and the intimate acoustics of the nave enhance the Gregorian chant. Climbing the Aventine Hill, amidst gardens and views of the Tiber, and crossing the threshold of Sant'Anselmo is an experience in itself; doing so while the voices of a choir resonate is a unique and intense way to discover the spiritual face of the Capital, far from the most crowded tourist routes.

Why it's worth attending

• Free celebrations open to everyone in the heart of Rome (Lazio).
• A rare encounter between live liturgy and high-level musical research.
• Gregorian chant, polyphony, organ, and improvisation performed by young musicians in training and their masters.
• One of the most beloved churches on the Aventine, set in a context of great charm and tranquility.

The cycle runs throughout the academic year, with events concentrated between winter and spring, resuming in autumn when the Institute's life restarts around the celebrations for Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians.