More than 100 participants gathered once again Sunday 21 July to take part in the Cathedral’s annual Orchestral Mass Project.
The occasion saw the culmination of singing and playing at the Cathedral’s 11am Solemn Sung Mass with participants forming a symphony orchestra and massed choir around the Cathedral Choir.
Director of Cathedral Music Jacinta Jakovcevic said she was delighted to welcome students from schools and educational institutions across Perth, together with their teachers, and members of the local Perth community.
“The Mass itself represents a mammoth task of preparation and organisation which takes around 12 months and many hours of dedicated work and preparation,” Ms Jakovcevic explained.
“One of the great things about this project is that not only does it involve students in the actual playing and singing, but also in its organisation and preparation,” she continued.
This year, some of the music for the Mass was also played at World Youth Day 2008, Sydney, – an important moment for the church in Australia.
The music was written for a youth symphony orchestra and this year the occasion also featured the music of recently knighted Sir John Rutter. The 1st movement of his Gloria written in 1974 was the choral postlude for this Mass.
Ms Jakovcevic continued noting it is always exciting to have a group of young Cathedral musicians work alongside her to bring this project together.
“They work alongside me in the areas of recruitment and take up roles such as orchestral management and library work which are invaluable experiences for very young musicians to have in a formal environment.
“It is truly an uplifting experience for everyone: the participating musicians, the Cathedral Choir as the hosts, regular Cathedral parishioners and visitors, parents and staff from the participating schools – there’s always a very exciting buzz in the building on that morning which is a real thrill to experience,” she said.
The guest conductor this year was local Perth musician Sarah Mills Menogue who joined the Orchestra group for the first time.
Ms Mills Menogue said the Orchestral Mass is one of those special events that brings together people of diverse ages and experiences in musical performance.
“I was impressed with how responsive the Choir and Orchestra were, and how quickly the music came together.
“It was such joy to be able to use our collective skills to serve the congregation, and hopefully provide a unique and rich sense of connection to God during the service.
Among the various stories of the musicians this year was the first combination of participant and grandparent – well-known Perth oboist Sheila Byfield and her granddaughter Beth who both played oboe.
It was the very first time they had played together making for a memorable family moment.
The Orchestra Mass is ultimately a very special spiritual experience with multiple aspects joining together to make this event a prayerful highlight of our year,” Ms Jakovcevic explained.
“Over several centuries, Cathedrals have featured orchestras to highlight important occasions and to celebrate the great feasts of our faith,” she said.
“The colour and variety of orchestral sonorities combines with pipe organs in an inspiring way enhancing the celebrations of our faith’s mysteries lifting all present into a special spiritual realm,” she concluded.
In 2025, the Orchestra Mass will celebrate its 10th anniversary.