St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir
Choir Profile
The origins of St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir Parramatta date back to the earliest days of the parish. From 1820, a church school operated in Parramatta under the auspices of pioneer priest, Fr. J.J. Therry, with children from the school singing some of his early compositions at various church services.
The first St. Patrick’s Church in the colony was consecrated on 29 May 1837 with members of the Wallace family rendering their ‘able assistance.’ Later in 1841, the diary of some political prisoners from French Canada attended Mass and noted that ‘everyone in the church was surprised to see prisoners singing in the church. There is an organ and fine lady singers in the Parramatta Church.’
Following the establishment in Parramatta of the Sisters of Mercy in 1888, the standard of choral singing rose markedly and on special liturgical celebrations, an orchestra, most likely of strings with possibly some brass, was used. From this time on into the 1950’s the Missa Cantata, or a full High Mass, was a regular feature of the liturgy in St Patrick’s. Notably, at this time, organists were usually ladies, and choir masters, men!
By the 1950s, the wind of reform in the Church was blowing steadily and culminated in a turbulent period during the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. The choir had its ups and downs with the move towards more congregational music and emerging new musical styles. Notwithstanding, the schools run by the Marist Brothers and the Mercy sisters, aided by a number of strong musical families, continued to provide singers for major occasions.
A resurgence in the choir took place during the 1980s under the leadership of Mr. Jeff Loche and continued under the direction of Mr. Robert Beazley and Ms. Anna Kleibert.
In 2006, the current Director of Music, Mr. Bernard Kirkpatrick was appointed, and a new, expanded music program was embarked upon to meet the increasing demands of a new and growing cathedral parish.
With the arrival of Bishop Anthony Fisher OP in 2012, the choir initiated a scholarship program enabling the tenure of talented young musicians to be engaged on a permanent basis, supplementing volunteer singers, to provide music for music at the weekly Solemn Mass each Sunday, as well as feasts and important occasions of the diocese.
The musical repertoire of the choir has continued to expand in recent years and incorporates music from ancient Gregorian chants, Renaissance polyphony through to music of the modern era.
For more information about the choir and recent activities, view the choir’s Facebook page OR Instagram page.
Membership of the Choir
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir is a mixed voice choir of men and women who sing on a regular basis for liturgical services throughout the year. Membership of the choir is by audition. Singers must demonstrate strong musical skills in voice and sight-reading, commitment to working collaboratively in a team, respect and carry out their duties in a manner consistent with Christian values. The music repertoire of the choir ranges from early music through to contemporary classical styles, with an emphasis on Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony. On special occasions, the choir may also be accompanied by instrumental ensembles of string and brass instruments.
COMMITMENT SCHEDULE
Please note the commitment we expect of our Scholars and Choristers:
| WEDNESDAY EVENING REHEARSALS | From 7:00pm – 8:30pm from February (or late January) to Christmas. |
| SUNDAY 11AM SOLEMN MASS | We sing every Sunday from the first Sunday in February to Christmas. |
| HOLY WEEK | We sing every day of Holy Week (the week that commences the Sunday before Easter Sunday), excluding Tuesday. All Holy Week liturgies begin at 7:30pm, except for Good Friday, which starts at 3pm |
| SOLEMN MASSES ON OTHER SOLEMNITIES OR OCCASIONS | – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: First Sunday after 1 January, 11am. – Ash Wednesday: 46 days before Easter Sunday, 7:30pm. – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 15 August, 7:30pm. – All Souls’ Day: 2 November, 7:30pm. |
| CHRISTMAS, 25 DECEMBER | – Christmas Eve: 24 December, 11:30pm Carols, then Midnight Mass. – Christmas Day: 25 December, 11am Solemn Mass. |
| SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE CATHEDRAL | Such as Ordinations, Red Mass, etc. (Appropriate notice will be given for these events). |
| PRE-SERVICE REHEARSAL | CALL TIME FOR ALL LITURGIES IS TYPICALLY 75-90 MINUTES BEFORE SCHEDULED START. |
Paid Choral Scholars & Layclerks are expected to give full commitment to the above schedule.
Leave notification and absence is possible but must be negotiated with the Director of Music.
Scholars are renumerated at $100 per service attended (rehearsal inclusive), paid quarterly. Current annual income payable is approximately $5700.
– $50 from attending Wednesday Rehearsal
– $50 from attending Sunday Rehearsal and Mass
– The $50/$50 breakdown does not apply at services outside Sunday. $100 is payable at attendance.
If you are interest in joining the Cathedral Choir, please contact the Assistant Director of Music at [email protected] or call 0417280582.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Cantors
The liturgical life of the cathedral is supported by a team of cantors who lead the music at Masses and liturgies where the choir is not present.
Cantors provide music for Sundays at the 6.00pm Vigil Mass, 9.30am, and 6.00pm Mass. On Solemnities, cantors sing at the 12.30pm Mass.
Cantors are also required to sing at Wedding Nuptial Masses, Funerals and various occasional liturgies of the Diocese celebrated in the cathedral. These include Masses of Diocesan Agencies, School Masses etc.
Cantors need to have strong musical skills in voice, sight reading and confidence in leading large congregations in song.
Cathedral cantors receive a remuneration for the services they sing.
If you would like to join the team of cathedral cantors, please send an application to the Director of Music.