The choir of St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, recently had the honour of meeting and being instructed by the International Director of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), Andrew Reid, as he made a brief yet significant stopover in Peth during his Australia and New Zealand trip.
Mr Reid agreed to hold a two-hour workshop with the choristers before the 12.10pm Mass on Thursday2 23 April, allowing them take advantage of his years of expertise as a world-renowned Church musician and organist.
Throughout different stages of the midday Mass that followed, the choristers were led by Mr Reid through a number of musical pieces by Britten, (Missa Brevis, Agnus Dei), Rutter and Gounod.
Commenting on Mr Reid’s presence in Perth, St Mary’s Cathedral Director of Music and Principal Organist Jacinta Jakovcevic said that a visit from such a prominent figure in the world of Church music “was truly a wonderful experience”.
“Unlike the east coast of Australia, we don’t have many renowned figures visiting us here and it was wonderful to have someone come and give them a different perspective on things.
“It was also good for him to witness the level of musical talent that we have here in Perth.
“The program sung during the Mass was not a simple one and it was pleasing to have Mr Reid see them operating at that level,” Ms Jakocevic said.
A similar observation was given by current Organ Scholar, Pia Schelfhout, who saw Andrew Reid’s visit to St Mary’s Cathedral as a “wonderful union of musical development and international excellence”.
“There was something to be gained by all. I feel honoured as the Organ Scholar to have been given an opportunity to take part in this learning experience.”
Andrew Reid’s interest in singing and the organ began at nine years of age at St Bartholomew’s Church in Otford, Kent. He later pursued his passion as an organ scholar at St Matthew’s, Northampton, at St Catherine’s and Robinson Colleges, Cambridge, and at Westminster Cathedral, before becoming Assistant Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral. In 2004, he became Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral.
Mr Reid has given recitals in the UK, USA and Europe, including the complete organ works of JS Bach in one 25-hour recital. He became Director of the RSCM in 2012.
The RSCM is an educational charity that promotes the best use of music in worship, Church life and the wider community. With around 8,500 affiliates, members and friends in over 40 countries, it is an international network, supported by over 600 volunteers and a small team of staff based throughout the UK.