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Dr. Peter LaManna papers

 Collection
Identifier: MC 113

Abstract

The collection covers the career of Dr. Peter LaManna from his time at the Reading Choral Society in the mid-1960s to his leadership of the Archdiocese’s Liturgical Music office and beyond. It is subdivided into many different categories, from correspondence to booklets from the Masses his choirs sang at.

Dates

  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1961 - 2005

Biographical / Historical

Dr. Peter LaManna was born in Reading, PA on August 15, 1930. He became one of the youngest church organists in Reading when he accepted the position of organist at Saint Anthony’s Lithuanian Catholic Church at age 16. Years later, in 1964, he became director of the Reading Choral Society, a position that he held until 1976.

Dr. LaManna was called to become Director of Liturgical Music for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1968. Subsequently, he was named choirmaster for the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. It was here that LaManna founded The Archdiocesan Boy Choir. Founded in 1968 at the request of John Cardinal Krol, the Archdiocesan Boy Choir has performed in parishes around the Archdiocese, the United States, and the world. As Director of Liturgical Music for the Archdiocese, two of his biggest accomplishments were being named Director of Music for the 41st International Eucharistic Congress and, during the visit of Pope John Paul II in October 1979, serving as Director of Music and choirmaster for the occasion. He was also named Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1970. Dr. LaManna passed away on January 16, 1990.

Extent

0.8 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Title
Dr. Peter LaManna papers Finding Aid
Author
Richard Girkin
Date
2/21/2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Catholic Historical Research Center of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Repository

Contact:
6719 Calvert Street
Philadelphia PA 19149