September 22, 2015
Music professor Bryan Pinkall to help manage production of Pope Francis' mass in Philadelphia
K-State assistant professor of music Bryan Pinkall will help manage the production of the papal Mass in Philadelphia during the World Meeting of Families this weekend. The mass, which will be broadcast live on many TV and radio stations and online, will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, in Philadelphia. The city of Philadelphia is expecting 2 million people or more to attend the event.
This is Pope Francis' first visit to the United States as pontiff, and will be only the 10th time a pope has visited the country. During his trip, the pope will travel to Washington, D.C., and New York City, and then conclude his U.S. visit in Philadelphia.
"As a child, I was fascinated by Pope John Paul II's visits to the United States, and I am thrilled that I will be able to be a part of this historic event," Pinkall said.
Specializing in the production of large artistic events, Pinkall has received international recognition in recent years. In 2014, he served as manager of performance operations and direction of the Emmy-winning 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony.
Spending many years as a liturgical musician in Great Bend, Pinkall studied with Connie Schneweis, an organist and teacher at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
"Although she is gone now, I keep a picture of her on my office desk to remind myself of all she taught me," Pinkall said. "I will be thinking about her and during this special time along with all those who have supported me along the way."
Pinkall is a faculty member in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He is a professional singer and a member of the Grammy-winning Kansas City Chorale. He is a faculty member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and was named Distinguished Kansan of the Year in Performing Arts by the Topeka Capital Journal in 2014.