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"The choir enters the Cathedral at the head of the procession. A hush falls. A single treble voice rings out. The organ answers. This is music that sweeps away the dust from the soul." The St Paul's Cathedral Choir is one of Australia's foremost choral ensembles. From that day in January 1891 when it proudly sang at the Cathedral's official opening, it has aspired to lift up the hearts and minds of all who listen. The choir can be heard at Sunday Choral Eucharist and at Evensong six nights a week. There are Carol Services at Easter and Advent and regular recitals of sacred and secular music from a repertoire ranging from the 17th to 21st Centuries. Many engagements, such as Christmas carols at Royal Melbourne Hospital or the Good Friday presentation of Stainer's oratorio 'The Crucifixion', have become much-valued Melbourne traditions. The choir offers its members a unique musical education, nurtures new composers, commissions works and has launched many musical careers. The Organ is one of the finest examples of the 19th Century organ builders' art. Built by T. C. Lewis & Co of Brixton (UK), this historically and musically significant instrument was fully restored by master craftspeople in 1990 after almost a century of constant use. The organ has four manuals with 44 stops and pedals with nine stops, and is notable for its hand-stencilled pipes. Its power and range can be experienced at one of our frequent recitals or accompanying the choir during a regular worship service. The St Paul's Cathedral Music Foundation was established in 1993 to provide funding for the musical life of St Paul's. Income earned by the Foundation supports: scholarships to Trinity Grammar or another Anglican school for the choirboys; payment for the organists, director of music and adult choristers; purchasing and commissioning of music; maintaining the organ and promoting recitals and concerts. Above all, the Foundation's work allows the Cathedral to plan with confidence for the future, creatively reinterpreting the English choral tradition to inspire contemporary Australia. The St Paul's Cathedral Music Foundation relies on the generous support of people like you who share our passion for fine music. |
