Orchestral Mass

25 JULY 2021 ORCHESTRAL MASS

The Orchestral Mass, an annual project which commenced in 2015, brings together young musicians from across Perth and regional WA and provides them an opportunity to work together, make new friends and celebrate Mass - offering their time, gifts and talents to God.

St Mary’s Cathedral’s Director of Music, Jacinta Jakovcevic, said: “It’s always such a thrill to bring lots of people together like this – it’s a very exciting atmosphere in the Cathedral on the day as the students, their proud parents and staff from the various schools all come together for this wonderfully spiritually uplifting experience.

This year we had the largest ever number of schools represented - 22 schools which came from across the Catholic, Anglican, Uniting and public sectors. We also had the largest ever number of participants, around 120 and the orchestra itself numbered 68 players.

It was also pleasing to welcome back students who had participated in previous Orchestral Masses. Principal Double Bass player, Kirsty Malcolm, has played in every Orchestral Mass since it started as a Year 12 student from Carine Senior High School.”

A special inclusion in this year’s Mass was Guest Conductor, Chadwick Beins, Director of Music at St Norbert’s College.

Jacinta said “Chad was the very first Cathedral Organ Scholar (2009-2012) as well as a Cathedral Chorister. It is so wonderful to see the fruits of our efforts in the training of young musicians here at the Cathedral Music Programme, and witness the development and achievements of our former musicians as they make great contributions to the Archdiocese and the wider community.”