Scott Kennebeck’s career as a singer is inextricably linked to his faith. The tenor is executive director of St. Louis Cathedral Concerts and he is the cantor at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
On Friday’s St. Louis on the Air, host Don Marsh talked with Kennebeck about his multi-faceted career and the various audiences he’s performed for – ranging from Pope John Paul II’s St. Louis visit, a papal mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome to a St. Louis Blues game.
Listen for selections of Kennebeck's vocal performances and more:
Kennebeck was one of the winner’s in a contest hosted by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and St. Louis Blues to sing the National Anthem at a St. Louis Blues game. He sang both "O Canada" and "The Star Spangled Banner" at a game between the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues on Jan. 30, 2018.
While he has performed at various venues and events worldwide, Kennebeck’s main focus is religious music. He said his Catholic faith inspired his love for music and singing.
“For me, whether it’s a papal mass in St. Peter’s or a just a small funeral mass, it’s not about me or my performance, it’s about leading people to Jesus and helping them express their faith,” Kennebeck said.
Among his highlights were performances at papal masses in Rome.
“The first time the Archdiocese [of St. Louis] went to Rome, we sang at a papal mass and that was the last time that Mother Teresa and John Paul II were together,” he said. “It was pretty cool when you think back that two future saints were right there.”
Kennebeck currently has two CDS of his performances and will be releasing a third next month, "Emerald Tribute," that is a tribute to John McCormack.
His next performance will be with the St. Louis Ballet during its “Love Stories” program on Feb. 10 and 11 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Lara Hamdan give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
