WATCH VIDEO FOR THIS EPISODE ON OUR WEBSITE In this special remotely recorded episode, Thomas and Richard talk about Vespers at St Mary’s Cathedral: in particular the daily streamed service of sung Vespers (Evening Prayer), available to view on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel. We talk about the structure of Vespers, about the music that is sung throughout the Divine Office, and about what defines ‘chant’. Send us your questions about Vespers, or about anything to do with the Choir! You can get questions to us by sending them by email to stavedoff@cathedralchoir.sydney. Questions received by Su ..read more

Thomas and Richard are back after nearly a year to talk about the singing of the Passion during Holy Week. The ‘Crowd’ parts sung by the Choir have taken a lot of preparation! Can the Choir be expected to walk and sing at the same time? Plus, we answer some listener questions. Music in this episode Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548–1611), O sacrum convivium, recorded at High Mass for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi on Sunday 6th June 2021 (26:48). Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937), Surrexit a mortuis, recorded at High Mass on Easter Sunday morning, 4th April 2021 (44:32 ..read more

Thomas and Richard discuss Remembrance Sunday, and what will be happening at Mass this Sunday to commemorate the centenary of Armistice. But first, Thomas bemoans the fact that Bonfire Night is not observed in Australia. Then they are joined by Simon Niemiński to talk about the organ transcription he has made of F.S. Kelly’s Elegy for Strings, which he will play as the organ voluntary on Sunday. Hannah McCarthy makes an appearance to let us know about what’s going in to this year’s A Choral Christmas Celebration concert. Buy tickets for A Choral Christmas Celebration here. Sheridan ‘30 Days of ..read more

Following the recent celebration of the Choir’s 200th anniversary, to which many former members of Saint Mary’s Cathedral Choir returned to sing, Thomas and Richard look at the history of the Choir from its foundation by Catherine Fitzpatrick and through the various different forms it has taken since then, up until the present day. We are honoured to have interviews with Neil Fitzpatrick & Frances Fitzpatrick, descendants of Catherine & Bernard Fitzpatrick; with Peter Kneeshaw AO; and with Michael Hissey, who is co-ordinating the burgeoning Choir Alumni association. Choir history Alumn ..read more

The Choir is on tour in Europe! In this first of two episodes, we follow the Choristers and Scholars as they participate in the International Gregorian Chant Festival, Watou, while also enjoying Belgian hospitality and taking the opportunity to visit some of the Flanders battlefields. Special thanks to all the Choristers, Scholars, staff, and Festival organisers who appear in the episode. Next month we will have a wrap-up discussion about the second part of the tour, to Italy, and then the Lay Clerks’ trip to the Netherlands. Please let us know if you've enjoyed this episode by leaving a revie ..read more

In this episode, Thomas and Richard talk about Thomas’s time in the UK, which was cut short before he had to dash back to Australia before quarantining started. Then he participated in one of the strangest sets of Holy Week and Easter liturgies that the Cathedral has ever witnessed. The congregation, and parts of the Choir, have since then been gradually returning to the Cathedral. Meanwhile, we answer some questions about countertenors, soloists, and the Divine Praises. Music in this episode Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525–94), Iesus iunxit se discipulis suis, recorded at Vespers for t ..read more

As we get closer to Easter, Thomas describes the huge number of pages of music that have to be prepared and printed for the Holy Week and Easter services. We are delighted to be joined by Simon Niemiński, the Cathedral’s new Assistant Director of Music, who talks about the experience of moving from Edinburgh to Sydney, his impressions of his new job, and his opinions on hot drinks. Richard has an earthquake story. Keep an eye on the Schedule page to see when the Choir will be singing during Holy Week and Easter. Simon Niemiński’s organ concert will be on Wednesday 4th April 2018 at 7 p.m., in ..read more

In a special episode recorded in the car in the dead of night, Thomas reveals his plans for his long-service leave, while also recounting details of his trips to Ballarat and Brunswick Heads in January. (Apologies for the even-worse-than-usual audio quality in this episode.) Music in this episode:Anton Bruckner (1824–96), Os iusti, sung at Mass in the Cathedral on 20th October 2019 (19:27 ..read more

In this episode, Thomas and Richard give an exit interview to two of the Choir’s departing Scholars, Blaize and Perrin. But first, Thomas recounts his experience going to Dubbo to see Moorambilla Voices. Finally, Thomas teases us with information about the results of the inaugural Archbishop’s Prize for New Composers. Links Hope at last as creeks flow for first time in years (https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/drought-australia-nsw-rainfall-soaks-parched-farms/news-story/7569bb2cfe01e18f3ab10f1283c6bd31) Drought-stricken western NSW receives best rainfall in years (https://www.abc.net.au ..read more

In the first episode, Thomas and Richard produce ‘a random and meaningless load of drivel’ about Christmas 2017, including how the Choristers are bribed to work on into their school holidays, what inspires the music choice for A Christmas Celebration, and choices for Christmas tree decorations. Read more and buy tickets for A Christmas Celebration on 15th December 2017 Black Ops inflatable obstacle course ..read more