On one of their last days in Rome, the Official Choir of Cathedral City found itself singing per a last-minute request at Sana Croce Church in Florence, Italy.

The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence, Italy, and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church.

Watch and listen to the Official Cathedral City Choir singing here in this bone-chilling performance by these young adults.

The group of 26 singers and 10 chaperons have been in Rome since June 21. One of the highlights of the trip was participating in a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

The trip was made possible through the generosity of a community that opened their hearts and wallets to ensure these students, some of whom had never flown, were given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Students also held numerous fundraisers.

Singing From Florence, Italy with Love [Video]They are participating in the 2018 Festival Corale Internazionale di Roma.

The 2018 festival performance will occur in the magnificent and historic Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.

Randall Stroope, director of Choral Activities at Oklahoma State University, and Music Celebrations International formally invited the singing group to represent the state of California. You may read the invitation here.

The Cathedral City singers have had the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Verdi, Gabrieli, Monteverdi, Paganini, Vivaldi, Puccini, Rossini, and many other influential composers. They have also had the opportunity to work with one of America’s foremost conductors and experience the excitement of performing in Rome’s most impressive spaces before large audiences.

Singing From Florence, Italy with Love [Video]When they weren’t rehearsing or performing, there was some time for sightseeing. They boarded a motor coach to Florence for shopping and sightseeing. That was only one of the highlights.

As a way to thank the community for its outpouring of support, a Mille Grazie Concert, A Concert of a thousand thanks, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 1 at the Community Presbyterian Church, which is located at 38088 Chuperosa Lane in Cathedral City.

 It is designed as a celebration of thanksgiving to the Cathedral City business community. See the invitation here.

We wish to thank all our sponsors and benefactors for helping make this trip a reality, May LeRoy said.

Light refreshments will be served immediately following the concert.

Editor’s Note: Video and photos for this story were provided by Cathedral City Mayor Pro Tem Greg Pettis.