San Miguel Arcángel, founded on the 25th of July, 1797, retains much of its original historic fabric, including the spectacular and brilliant fresco murals painted by the Salinan Indian peoples of the region under the direction of Monterey native and artist, rancher, and Spanish diplomat Esteban Munras in 1820-21.

Participants will be treated to an on-site visit and recital with Spanish colonial music specialist, and musical director of the New World Baroque Orchestra, John Warren, who will recreate the sacred aura of both indigenous voices and European music as experienced within the vibrantly-painted confines of an early 19th century adobe church.

Today, the mission quadrangle constitutes the epicenter of an active Franciscan novitiate, and thereby provides a firsthand glimpse into the traditions and beliefs that govern the Order of Friars Minor whose trailblazing ventures served as the basis for the founding of the California missions.