Houston singer to host Christmas concert after winning Catholic Music Award in Rome

Priscilla SalisburyHOUSTON — Music, especially sacred music, can guide or accompany a life’s journey. 

For Priscilla Salisbury, who recently took home a Catholic Music Award for Best Female Singer (English) in Rome for her recorded performance of “Rejoice Greatly,” music has carried her throughout her life, all the way from Mexico to Houston and Puerto Rico and now to Rome.

Also nominated for Best New Artist (English), she was recognized among other Catholic artists from more than 40 countries who submitted over 1,400 songs in 19 separate categories in Italian, Spanish, English and Portuguese languages.

“I felt immense gratitude and humility, and it was an honor to see sacred music celebrated on a global stage,” Salisbury said. To celebrate her win, Salisbury will host a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at Villa de Matel, located at 6510 Lawndale St., Houston.

“This concert is my way of saying thank you — an evening of gratitude and sacred music, shared with the hope of inspiring others through song,” she said.

Salisbury said her best friend from middle school encouraged her to enter the awards the night of the deadline. A few months later, she learned she had been nominated — and later, that she was a finalist in two categories.

Born in Mexico and raised in Houston, her win is a culmination of a long journey inspired by music, according to Salisbury. She said she discovered her passion at an early age, singing for her neighbors, family and friends. 

“My favorite song was ‘Part of Your World’ from Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid,’” she said. “I was always part of the school and church choirs.”

When her family moved to the U.S. between fifth and sixth grade, the Spanish choir at Salisbury’s parish became her home away from home.

“It gave me a sense of belonging during those formative years,” she said. “I was very shy and quiet, often afraid to say something wrong in English, but singing gave me confidence. When I began cantoring at the Spanish Mass, I saw how my voice — carrying the message of God — could bring comfort and hope to others. At that moment, I felt I was God’s instrument.”

For Salisbury, witnessing that impact was transformative. She then realized her true calling to inspire and comfort others through sacred music, just as it had did for her during that time in her life.

Her passion continued as a teenager. She was fascinated by singing competitions — American Idol had become a phenomenon, and Objetivo Fama in Puerto Rico was one of the most prominent shows for Spanish-speaking artists. Objetivo Fama was filmed there and televised across the U.S. After a fellow parish choir member pushed her to try out, she was selected and ultimately made it to the final 20 contestants representing Houston in Puerto Rico. 

“It was an incredible experience — intense, exciting and eye-opening,” she said. “When I returned home, I began my formal studies in voice at the University of Houston (UH), determined to continue growing as an artist.”

Salisbury earned her bachelor’s degree in music from UH and her master’s in opera performance from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2022, she earned a master’s in sacred music from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. 

“My parents have always been incredibly supportive of my vocation,” she said. “They are both educators and instilled in me a deep respect for education and faith.”

At first, Salisbury followed in her parents’ footsteps, becoming an educator. As an adjunct professor of vocal studies, she has taught at Lone Star College’s music department for six semesters and at Texas Southern University. 

Now her skills take her throughout the Archdiocese as she cantors for Masses and other events at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, St. Mary’s Seminary and St. Anne, St. Cecilia and St. Bartholomew parishes. She also records the Sunday Responsorial Psalm in Spanish for her YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@priscillasalisbury9659, at St. Joseph Parish in Houston. 

“In a way, I sing for the entire Archdiocese — it’s a beautiful ministry that allows me to reach both local and global communities,” she said.

While not an official member of the Archdiocesan Choir, Salisbury often collaborates with them as a soloist. 

“One of the highlights was performing as the soloist in Dan Forrest’s ‘Requiem for the Living’ at the inaugural Sacred Music Choral Festival in 2023,” she said.

Crista Miller, DMA, director of music at the Co-Cathedral, said, “It’s always a joy to see former musicians from Co-Cathedral Music continuing to grow and share their gifts with the wider Church.”

Miller said she remembers fondly Salisbury’s time with them as an undergraduate: “It’s wonderful to see her dedication to sacred music bearing fruit in this recognition.”

Salisbury added, “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, family, friends and mentors — especially Laura Johnson, Larry Massey, David Magallanes and Brady Knapp — for their unwavering support throughout my journey.”

For more information and to hear Salisbury sing or to follow her work and ministry on social media, visit www.priscillasalisbury.com. †