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More than 100 students from a record-breaking 25 schools have participated in the 2023 Orchestral Mass, Sunday 23 July at St Mary’s Cathedral.
The Orchestral Mass has become a cherished tradition for music enthusiasts, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, across Perth.
This grand occasion brought together students from various schools, their dedicated teachers, forming a symphony orchestra and massed choir to harmoniously merge with the Cathedral choir, creating an awe-inspiring musical experience within the sacred precincts of the Cathedral.
Jacinta Jakovcevic, the Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth headed the organisation of the Mass.
“The familiarity of familiar faces from previous Orchestral Masses was like a reunion, and it was equally gratifying to see new faces eagerly embracing this vibrant musical tradition,” Ms Jakocevic said.
“One particularly poignant moment of the 2023 Orchestral Mass was the return of Dr Nicholas Bannan, a prominent figure who had once enriched the musical landscape of Perth during his 13-year tenure at the University of Western Australia.
“Dr Bannan travelled from the UK to join this musical spectacle, underlining the significance and resonance of the Orchestral Mass in the global musical community.”
Ms Jakovcevic continued by saying the program curated for this year’s Orchestral Mass was “nothing short of sublime.”
“It artfully intertwined congregational hymns that united everyone in song, alongside favourites like Rutter’s timeless For the Beauty of the Earth.
“An especially exhilarating addition was Rutter’s resplendent Ps 150—a magnificent creation of exuberance and jubilation, originally composed for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 2002. Its rarity in Perth performances lent an air of exclusivity to the event.”
Participating in the Orchestral Mass isn’t merely a musical endeavour; it’s a journey into the tapestry of the Church’s heritage.
The music that reverberated through the Cathedral had originally been crafted for liturgical purposes, and experiencing it in its intended setting creates an enriching spiritual connection that transcends time.
For the young musicians involved, it’s a profound educational experience that nurtures their understanding of the interplay between music and faith.
Beyond Dr Bannan’s memorable presence, the Cathedral’s Music department has been instrumental in bringing several international luminaries to Perth so far this year: Carly Power, the Cathedral’s former Principal Cantor now residing in Germany; Johann Vexo, a celebrated organist from Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral, collaborated with the Cathedral Vocal Ensemble for an enthralling recital; and English organist Charles Spanner visited in July, leaving his mark on St Mary’s Cathedral with a captivating recital.
Though over for another year, the resounding melodies and harmonious echoes of the 2023 Orchestral Mass lingered, leaving a lasting imprint on both performers and attendees.
The event not only enriched the musical landscape of Perth but also fortified the bond between tradition, spirituality, and the unifying power of music.
With each passing year, the Orchestral Mass continues to inspire, uniting hearts and souls in a symphony of divine harmony.