NEWS ITEM: Cathedral hosts world-renowned conductor

October 8th, 2018

On Saturday 6^th October, the Cathedral hosted Stephen Darlington: one of the world’s foremost choral conductors and recently retired Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.

Stephen has been Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral for thirty years and is currently visiting Australia taking in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne as part of his itinerary.

Stephen’s workshop here at the Cathedral centred on Tudor music – this was a joint venture involving St Mary’s Cathedral, the Australian National Choral association (ANCA) and the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM).

Some 60 attendees took part ranging from young treble choristers to experienced, professional singers and choral conductors – the age range of attendees was an impressive 10 – around 80 years of age.

During his visit to Perth, Stephen also held a talk at the University of Western Australia and worked with the Winthrop Singers (based at the University of Western Australia, Conservatorium of Music).

Here are some comments from participants of the workshop:

Roderick Allen (St Edmunds Anglican Church, Wembley):

‘Just wonderful – only wish there was a choir like this in Perth with which we could sing all the time. We are very lucky to have such a distinguished conductor visit us’

Michael Mah (Mandurah Choral Society):

‘Wonderful to experience so much talent in the room – acoustics just lovely’

Dr Robert Braham (Head of Music, Trinity College; past president of ANCA – WA branch):

‘This is a rare opportunity to work with Stephen and to have his experience and wisdom with this repertoire – and to discover the treasures of Tudor music – this music should be sung more often !!’