Sistine Chior Concert, Men in Neckties!

Here is the angelic concert of the Sistine Chapel Pontifical Choir for the 500th anniversary of the birth of Palestrina (born sometime in the year between 3 February 1525 and 2 February 1526 and died on 2 February 1594), the greatest composer of liturgical music of all time! Magnificent!

As I watched, I was struck, however, by the necktie worn by the men, which seemed odd. Here is the assessment of that use.

In that January 3, 2026 Christmas Concert, the men of the Sistine Chapel Choir (the Cappella Musicale Pontificia Sistina) wore neckties under their traditional liturgical robes.

This specific visual combination is rare, as the choir’s standard practice for major liturgies is to wear collared shirts that are not visible or specialized ecclesiastical collars that do not require ties. However, for this non-liturgical concert dedicated to "children without peace," the adult male members wore:

• Red Cassocks: The standard formal choir robe.
• White Surplices: Worn over the cassocks.
• Neckties: Dark, formal neckties visible at the neckline, worn with crisp collared shirts beneath the vestments.
• Video Evidence: The official Vatican recording of the January 3rd event confirms this modern formal dress for the men's section of the choir.

This hybrid attire likely reflects the "concert" nature of the event, which, while held in the presence of Pope Leo XIV, was a musical performance rather than a formal mass. 

Summary of Dress for the Jan. 3 Concert

• Adult Men: Traditional red/white robes with visible shirts and neckties.
• Boys' Choir (Pueri Cantores): Standard red cassocks and white surplices without visible ties.
• Context: Christmas Concert "for children without peace".

Why the Change?
While the choir uses traditional vestments for Papal Masses and solemn liturgical celebrations, they occasionally adopt formal secular attire (suits and ties) for:
International tours.
Studio recordings or specific non-liturgical concerts.
Events where they are performing as a musical ensemble rather than participating in a religious rite.