The Collegiate Choir of St Thomas More College, the Jesuit-run residential college at the University of Western Australia has been preparing these past three months for the launch of the choir’s first-ever recorded album – Resonance.
Among the 13 musical offerings are Mozart’s much loved Ave Verum, an Ave Maria by Sergei Rachmaninov, Sibelius’ wonderful melody now known as Be Still My Soul, and On Eagle’s Wings.
The choir was encouraged to step into this brave new world by many worshippers at St Thomas More College’s chapel who had been moved by the beauty and the reverence of the choir’s offerings at Sunday evening liturgies.
Choral singing in three and four parts, and deeply reflective renditions of the responsorial psalm, have been normal fare on Sunday evenings, and are much looked forward-to by Mass-goers.
The choir’s music both involves the worshippers, and then at times offers quiet and lovely moments for contemplation, especially after communion.
The choir launched its CD with a concert in the College Chapel on 4 November, before a packed audience of more than 250.
Praise for that evening has been effusive. The choir and its leader, Ericius Tan, have been moved and excited by the response to their work.
The concert finished with a resounding “Our Father” in Swahili (“Baba Yetu”). That is not, unfortunately on the CD, but perhaps it will make it on to the choir’s second CD.
Resonance will be available at the end of November, and can be ordered from St Thomas More College on 9386 0111, or on the choir’s website: www.stmcchoir.com