In the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem, where millennia-old stories intertwine, the Magnificat Institute celebrates three decades of activity in 2025. Founded in 1995 by the Custody of the Holy Land, this music institute has become a symbol of interreligious dialogue, educational excellence, and cultural commitment in the Old City.
The roots: a vision of peace through music
The Magnificat Institute was born from the dream of Fr. Armando Pierucci, official organist of the Custody and conservatory professor in Italy. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, he perceived a lack of spaces dedicated to music and musical education for the youth of the Old City. After a pilgrimage on foot from Jerusalem to the Magnificat Sanctuary in Ain Karem, the project came to life with the Custody’s approval.
Instrumental was the contribution of Hania Soudah Sabbara, the Institute’s first deputy director, affectionately remembered as the “mother of the Magnificat.” Since then, the small seed planted by Fr. Armando has grown into the excellence we know today.
From the outset, the Magnificat has welcomed Muslim, Christian, and Jewish students and teachers, creating a multicultural environment where music becomes a universal language of dialogue and mutual understanding. As the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Francesco Patton, noted, “the harmony of music extends also to the harmony of coexistence.” Today, around 80% of teachers are Israeli Jews, while 80% of students are Palestinians, both Christians and Muslims.
A path of growth and recognition
In 2005, the Magnificat partnered with the “Arrigo Pedrollo” Conservatory of Vicenza, an institution of the Italian Ministry of Culture, which recognized the Institute as its international branch. This allowed students to earn European academic diplomas. Each year, about 200 students attend courses in piano, violin, cello, organ, singing, guitar, composition, flute, percussion, choral music, solfeggio, and music history.
Former students include two opera singers, a Baroque-Renaissance singer, two pianists, a guitarist, a bassoonist, a clarinetist—and many more are about to graduate, including cellists, pianists, and flutists.
Cultural activities and international projection
The Magnificat is not just a training center, but also a vibrant hub of cultural activities: concerts, international tours, competitions, and collaborations, including one with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Performances extend beyond Jerusalem to Europe and the United States, offering students the chance to engage with diverse musical and cultural environments.
During the 30th anniversary celebrations, a gala concert was held at the YMCA theater, featuring soloists, a student string orchestra, a wind duo, and a pianist who is now a faculty member.
A symbol of hope and coexistence
As Fr. Armando Pierucci wrote in a message for the occasion, “we have all received a great blessing” in contributing to the growth of this small but significant Franciscan reality. And just like Mary’s Magnificat, the Lord has done great things through this school, which continues to form not only musicians but ambassadors of peace.
The Magnificat Institute of Jerusalem is not just a music school, but a true laboratory of peace: a place where music becomes a bridge between people and cultures, helping to build a Jerusalem rooted in hope and unity.
By Francesco Guaraldi | custodia.org
Source Link: https://www.custodia.org/en/news/the-30th-anniversary-of-the-magnificat-institute-in-jerusalem-a-symphony-of-peace-and-culture/
