The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, situated directly beneath the eternal masterpieces of Michelangelo, Perugino, and Botticelli, was the site of the world premiere of Angels Unawares, the new oratorio by Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan, on Sunday, March 22. Because of its cultural and spiritual significance, the event was live-streamed to viewers around the world. Angels Unawares is an oratorio that lasts around 70 minutes. Its title is derived from a renowned passage in St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews: "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it". The work is founded on a universal call to dignity, compassion, and respect for all, including strangers. Angels Unawares is also notable for its lyrics, which were written by Robert Willis. Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral from 2001 to 2022 and a significant figure in ecumenical discourse, died in October 2024, shortly after completing the text for the oratorio. The entire piece is dedicated to his memory. For the concert, the Sistine Chapel hosted internationally recognized performers. Harry Christophers, the long-time conductor of his award-winning choir, The Sixteen, and the Britten Sinfonia chamber orchestra, conducts the performance. The soloists were renowned soprano Elizabeth Watts and Scottish tenor Matthew McKinney.