U.S. Premiere — Sat, Oct 4 • San Francisco • One night only • 300 seats
The Canticle Experience
An immersive visual-and-musical journey inspired by Saint Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures.
For this U.S. premiere, the creators perform live with music and song—all are welcome, by donation.
“An Immersive Sacred Experience”
An unforgettable visual and musical journey inspired by the Canticle of Creatures, one of the most revered masterpieces of global spiritual tradition and the oldest known poem in Italian literature, authored by Saint Francis of Assisi.
For this U.S. premiere, the creators join us live in music and song to celebrate the experience.
Celebrating the life of St. Francis
The Canticle
St. Francis of Assisi, 1181 to 1226 — a herald of peace, simplicity, and kinship with all creation—composed the Canticle of the Creatures (also called Canticle of the Sun) in Assisi around 1225.
In it he praises God through creation—Brother Sun, Sister Moon, wind, fire, water, and Sister Mother Earth—later adding lines on forgiveness and “Sister Death.”
Cherished for eight centuries, it distills Francis’s vision and invites gratitude, reconciliation, and care for our common home.
An Immersive Visual & Musical Journey
The Experience
Step into a luminous, immersive sensory experience where Saint Francis’s hymn comes alive like never before.
Guided by the celebrated voice of Friar Alessandro, with an original score by André Ripa, this contemplative journey moves verse-by-verse—from Brother Sun to Sister Mother Earth—inviting you to exhale, belong, and be renewed.
For this U.S. premiere, the creators will also perform live in music and song to celebrate the experience.
Whether you come seeking peace, beauty, or a deeper connection with creation, you’ll leave with a quiet joy and a gentle call to care for our common home.
A Special Visual and Live Musical Experience
The Canticle Experience
U.S. Premiere — Sat, Oct 4 • San Francisco • One night only • 300 seats
Join us for a one-night-only live musical event and showing of The Canticle with the creators.
Date: Saturday, October 4 · 8:00–9:00 pm (doors 7:30 pm)
Duration: 60 minutes
Location: National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi Church — 610 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA
Cost: By donation, given at the door or online
Seating: General admission • 300 seats • one showing
Friar Alessandro
The Voice
The singing of Friar Alessandro, known globally for its purity and power, dialogues with the immersive images, creating a lyrical weave that moves and inspires.
His unique onscreen performance, combined with the purity and power of his voice, offers an unique encounter with the spiritual depth of St. Francis’s vision.
André Ripa
Creator & Composer
Enter a realm where every note rises beyond the ordinary.
The music of producer, composer, and concept originator André Ripa captures the contemplative spirit of the Canticle, weaving together ancient echoes and modern harmonies to form a soundscape that speaks to the soul.
It is a dance of art and spirit, a journey that reveals our bond with the earth and with one another, resonating with St. Francis’ timeless message of peace and reverence for creation.
Support Us To Keep This Project Going
Make a Donation
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Francis of Assisi
Your gift keeps this immersive world-class experience accessible and open to everyone, sustains the artists who bring it to life, and helps us share St. Francis’s message with more communities.
If it moved you, please give what you can; your generosity turns beauty into belonging.
Your donation supports:
- Production & technology: multi-screen + dome projection, immersive audio, maintenance, and crew.
- Artists & creation: Friar Alessandro’s performance, André Ripa’s original score, and Daring House visuals.
- Access & inclusion: multilingual versions, captions/assistive listening, and community access initiatives.
- Outreach & touring: bringing The Canticle to schools, churches, and new cities.
What ages is this appropriate for?
What if I'm not religious?
What do you mean by immersive?
How was this project created?
The Canticle concept was originated by André Ripa, of San Francesco Productions, who is also the producer and musical composer. The images and film were realized by creative director and filmmaker Stefano Casertano of Daring House in Rome, Italy. Tenor and Franciscan friar Alessandro Brustenghi, OFM, sings and arranged the lyrics of the Canticle of the Creatures to music, as well as wrote the lyrics for the final song of the show.
What languages is this available in?
Originally created in its native Italian, the spoken text of the Canticle is currently translated into English, Spanish, and French. With more funding we can add additional languages for worldwide distribution.
Is there a suggested donation?
What are the future plans for The Canticle?
How do I get the music?
Over 15,000 Participants
Testimonials
We’d love to hear from you.
Contact
Attending the premiere?
Ask about seating, arrival, accessibility, groups, or donations. We’re here to help.
Host this experience
Bring The Canticle to your church, university, museum, festival, or community space. Share a few details about your venue and timing, and our team will follow up with next steps.