Page "Music of Vatican City" Paragraph 1

After the end of the Papal States the Popes ' ability to sponsor composers and musicians waned.

That stated it did not end entirely nor did interest in the subject.

Pope Pius X and Pope Pius XII both wrote on the subject.

In modern times John Harbison and Gilbert Levine have composed or conducted for the Vatican.

Although not of the Vatican a Christmas concert where popular musicians performed had been held at the Vatican for thirteen years until ending in 2006. Notable performers at it included José Feliciano, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Gloria Gaynor, and B.

B.

King.

The concert arose controversy in 2003 due to statements by Lauryn Hill who used the opportunity to criticize the Vatican over Roman Catholic sex abuse cases.