Igor Lepak To Play At Papal Event

On most Sundays, he is playing in Simsbury for a few hundred faithful.

This weekend, Igor Lepak will be playing for tens of thousands in Philadelphia.

Mr. Lepak, a member of the St. Mary’s Music Group which leads the music at the 9:30 Mass each Sunday, has the opportunity of a lifetime this weekend, as he will be playing in Philadelphia at the World Meeting of Families, prior to the Papal Mass.

“We’ll be playing at 2:35 p.m. on the main stage, so I intend to be at the Mass as well,” Mr. Lepak said.

Mr. Lepak will be one of a half-dozen musicians in the group that will be playing on Sunday -- a group led by singer/songwriter Martin Doman (www.MartinDoman.com). Mr. Doman is the founder of the non-profit Christ Music and has been writing and performing as a Catholic musician for more than 15 years.

“I have done Stubenville East youth conferences with Martin for several years as well as men’s conferences in Boston and Syracuse,” Mr. Lepak said.  “On Sunday, I’ll be playing the bass and cello along with the others in the band.”

Mr. Doman’s wife, Charlene, will be part of the group (vocals), along with a violinist, drummer and electric guitarist, in addition to Mr. Lepak on bass and cello.

Of course, playing at a Papal event doesn’t happen overnight, as there is significant planning involved, which included filling out paperwork over the summer for the Secret Service.  And Mr. Lepak will have more than just his instruments with him in Philadelphia.

“I have to wear a security tag with my photo around my neck,” he said.

For Mr. Lepak, it’s a highlight in a life that’s been filled with music.  He and his wife, Patricia, are both music teachers and Mr. Lepak is the son of the late Alexander Lepak, who was the founder of the percussion program at The Hartt School and a longtime percussionist for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

And playing on the main stage of a Papal event brings with it plenty of excitement.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a vast ocean of God’s people all in one place,” Mr. Lepak said. “I also really want to try out the bass amp and sound system with my bass!”