By Joseph Younes
In the heart of Perth, the St Mary’s Cathedral boasts a vibrant and dynamic addition to its musical heritage: the St Mary’s Cathedral Vocal Ensemble. This young group of singers has made a remarkable impact in the past few years, enriching and elevating the liturgical experience for all who attend services at the Cathedral.
A Diverse and Passionate Group
The members of the Vocal Ensemble come from varied backgrounds, including students and graduates from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and the University of Western Australia (UWA), as well as professional musicians and newcomers to the music profession. This diversity brings a unique blend of skills and perspectives, enhancing the ensemble’s overall quality and versatility.
From Humble Beginnings to Flourishing Ensemble
For several years, to supplement the work of the Cathedral Choir and also to provide opportunities for female singers to take part in Cathedral music, ad-hoc groups were formed for specific occasions. However, in the wake of the 2020 COVID shutdowns, a new chapter began. As restrictions eased and gatherings resumed, the Vocal Ensemble emerged as a force in its own right. Notably, they were among the first performers on Perth’s cultural calendar after the lockdowns, captivating audiences with their performance at the Cathedral’s annual Ave Maria recital.
Expanding the Cathedral’s Musical Horizons
The Vocal Ensemble plays a crucial role in expanding the Cathedral’s music program. Director of Music Jacinta Jakovcevic (the Ensemble’s conductor and director) says: “Our Vocal Ensemble introduces congregations to the vast and magnificent heritage of Catholic music, particularly pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries written for female sopranos and altos. This provides young musicians, especially young women, with invaluable opportunities to hone their craft, share their gifts with the community and gives them a unique opportunity to come to know and bring alive the Church’s vast 2000-year-old heritage of music”.
A Valuable (partnership with) Addition to the Cathedral Choir
Beyond its independent performances, the Vocal Ensemble functions as a valuable complement to the established St Mary’s Cathedral Choir. Their combined voices create a stunning double choir or large chorus effect for special occasions, adding depth and grandeur to significant liturgical celebrations.
Enhancing Liturgical Life
The Vocal Ensemble’s presence is felt throughout the liturgical year. They grace Stations of the Cross during Lent, enrich Saturday evening Masses and Sunday Vigil Masses with their song, and have recently become a mainstay for the Chrism Mass and Anzac Day Mass.
Photo: Ron Tan/Archdiocese of Perth.
Collaborations and Special Events
The Ensemble extends its reach beyond liturgical celebrations. They have collaborated with renowned organist Johann Vexo in a memorable concert event in April 2023 and joined forces with The Winthrop Singers for the annual Gregoriana concert last November. Their talents have even attracted the attention of composers, who have created music specifically for their unique sound.
A Legacy of Music
The St Mary’s Cathedral Vocal Ensemble connects deeply with the Cathedral’s rich musical heritage. The original St Mary’s Cathedral Choir, comprising about 30 adult male and female singers, reached its musical peak in the early 1900s under the leadership of young Director of Music Walter James Sydney Westhoven. This period saw the construction of the Cathedral’s Grand Pipe Organ in 1910 and the hosting of regular orchestral Masses. The choir also performed at the opening of the Cathedral in 1930, accompanied by the Grand Pipe Organ and orchestra.
Heritage and Contribution
The legacy of the early choir is commemorated in the Cathedral’s architecture and art. The funds raised by the choir contributed to the creation of the ‘music’ window in the southern transept, featuring St Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and four other saints related to music. This window stands as a testament to the enduring connection between the Cathedral’s musical past and present.
Contemporary Ensemble
The formation of the St Mary’s Cathedral Vocal Ensemble marks a return to the inclusive spirit of the original choir, even as it embraces contemporary practices and new musical explorations. By fostering young talent and expanding the liturgical and concert repertoire, the ensemble continues to enhance the worship experience and maintain the Cathedral’s reputation as a centre of musical excellence in Perth.
Through their dedication and passion, the St Mary’s Cathedral Vocal Ensemble not only enriches the liturgical life of the Cathedral but also contributes to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the broader community. Their performances serve as a bridge between the rich traditions of the past and the dynamic expressions of the present, ensuring that the music at St Mary’s Cathedral remains a powerful and inspiring element of worship.
If anyone may be interested in joining the Cathedral’s Vocal Ensemble, please contact Jacinta music.cathedral@perthcatholic.org.au