The Gregorian Schola of Sydney was founded in 1989 by Rev. William Whittle
in response to the call from many in Sydney that a group be formed to sing Gregorian Chant.
Sr Marie Therese Levey, of the Sisters of St. Joseph,
provided internationally recognised Gregorian Chant scholarship
and lead the Schola for twenty years.
She has been instrumental in bringing Chant into the lives of many choristers
and to becoming a regular part of liturgical celebration of St. Mary’s Cathedral and a number of Sydney parishes.
In 2010 the Schola has appointed a professional church musician, James Dixon, as Musical Director
and retains the scholarship of Sr Marie Therese Levey.
An Executive Group chaired by Lawrence Grech has been formed
to further the aims of the Schola as follows:
Aims of the Schola
“The Gregorian Schola of Sydney is a community choir of men and women open to all,
dedicated to preserving the learning of the precious traditions of Gregorian Chant,
and to bringing its practice within the Liturgical life of Sydney parishes.”
Member Information
The Schola is a community based choir and welcomes all without audition.
We are dedicated to assisting the learning of the sacred texts and gaining familiarity with singing the Liturgy in Latin.
Most singers find that once they are singing with the group,
it is not difficult to read the Latin (English translations are given)
and that singing from four-lined notation is no more difficult than modern notation.
All ages, including High School students, are welcome.
James Dixon provides expert direction to the choir
and for those unfamiliar or unpracticed in Gregorian Chant
there is additional support from the more experienced members of the group.
In terms of commitment, we generally operate in a cycle of four practices to prepare for each Mass or Vespers
which number around six per annum.
This enables people to fit particular cycles into their schedules.
Practices are held on Tuesdays 6:30pm to 7:45pm within the excellent acoustics of
St. Aloysius’ College Chapel, Milson’s Point (easily accessible by Public transport).
Weekend Mass and/or Vespers are at various days and times.
There is a small membership fee that covers professional music direction and administration
.
Invitation
The Sydney based Schola comprises both women and men,
and rehearsals have a healthy social, as well as learning, aspect.
If you are interested in Gregorian Chant and live in Sydney why not join the Sydney Gregorian Schola. (See contact details)
In 2010 we will be singing Vespers and the Mass at a number of parishes including Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney
and St. Vincent’s Church Ashfield.
To join the Sydney Gregorian Schola see CONTACT US.
If you do not live in Sydney, why not read about the history of Gregorian Chant? See PUBLICATIONS. |
