Musical and spiritual history will be made at Sydney’s Carols at the Cathedral concert this Christmas when, for the first time in its 200-year-tradition, the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir will include girl choristers alongside their boy chorister peers, after the college went co-ed. Source: Catholic Weekly.
The St Mary’s Cathedral choir is the oldest permanent musical group in Australia, and Daniel Justin, music director at St Mary’s Cathedral, reflected on the privilege of leading such a landmark occasion.
“For the first time in over 200 years we’ll be witnessing girls and boys singing together Christmas carols here. That’s going to be a big first,” he said.
Rehearsals have been particularly meaningful as the girls’ choir, the first of its kind in a Catholic cathedral in the country, learned traditional and modern Christmas carols – some for the first time.
“In order to prepare for this concert, we’ve had to start teaching these carols from scratch to the girls,” Mr Justin said.
Despite the challenges and high expectations, his excitement is contagious – not only among the musicians, but their families as well.
“They’re looking forward to it. I think their parents are going to be super proud,” he said.
The historic night, featuring about 48 choristers, 12 professional singers, and an orchestra of 30, will be complemented by a performance of a piece written specifically for the Jubilee year, Pilgrims of Hope.
To purchase tickets: https://sydneycatholic.eventsair.com/carols-at-the-cathedral-2025/catc2025
FULL STORY
Carols at the Cathedral welcomes girl choristers for the first time in 200 years (By Darren Ally, Catholic Weekly)
