SMCC 2014: San Marino Chamber Choir presents Recital at Catedral de León on March 31.

The San Marino Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Tammi Alderman, was granted permission to present a special recital at the marvellous Catedral de León, the gothic masterpiece in Leon, Spain, on Monday March 31, at 12:30, during their 2014 Incantato Performance Tour to Spain and Portugal

The Cathedral of Leon can look back on a 800-years history. The Pulchra Leonina, as it was called (latin) due to its outstanding beauty, is a remarkable visit for travelers, artist, archeologists and pilgrims, as it is a main stop along the Camino de Santiago - Way of St. James.

The Catedral de Santa María de Regla de León (as it is officially named) is a French-style Gothic cathedral was begun to be built by Bishop Martin Fernandez, with funds from King Alfonso the Wise, in 1255 over the ruins of 2nd-century Roman baths, and stands as probably the finest Gothic building in Spain, closely modeled on the Flamboyant Gothic royal cathedrals of France, and sharing master carvers with Burgos cathedral.

The north transept adjoins to the 13th- and 14th-century cloister, which has carved capitals, Romanesque and Gothic tombs, and some faded frescoes.
Inside, some 125 medieval stained glass windows illuminate a harmonious, fully French Gothic interior with three aisles, a short transept, a five-bay choir, and an ambulatory with radiating chapels.

The effect of the pale stone combined with dazzling rays of sunlight filtering through the windows have given the cathedral the nickname "House of Light." 

León Cathedral's choir stalls, among the oldest in Spain, were carved of walnut by Flemish artists in the 15th century. A much-revered statue of the Virgen de la Esperanza, depicting the Virgin Mary when she was pregnant with Jesus, dates from the 13th or 14th century and is displayed in a side chapel off the choir.

For more information on the history and significance of this venue, please visit the official Catedral de Leon website.