NSW: Gregorian Schola of Sydney Open Night

Invitation to an OPEN NIGHT of The Gregorian Schola of Sydney on Thursday February 13, 2020 commencing at 6.30pm at St Bede’s Catholic Church, 43 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont. The schola is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. In order to celebrate the achievement of thirty years the schola is preparing for, and offering, an OPEN NIGHT. The evening will include singing by the schola and will present, amongst other things, several items from different Masses in the Kyriale. For example, the traditional Mass IX Cum Jubilo using its fifteenth century manuscript source, followed by a Kyrie composed by St Hildegard of Bingen d.1179. This last is one of the earliest complete music works by a known composer. In comparison to the centonized Cum Jubilo Kyrie, the cascading melismas of Hildegard’s work reveal the work of one brilliantly creative person. In an increasingly secularized world, the singers of The Gregorian Schola of Sydney have aimed to contribute to faith, education, and culture in these last thirty years. We now seek your support for the next thirty years by coming to this OPEN NIGHT. Mr Harry Stephens, church architect, member of the National Liturgical Commission, and Executive Committee Chairman of the schola, will share his thoughts on the design and meaning of our logo. Dr Marie T Levey rsj, musicologist and patron of the schola, will compare sung chants with their medieval sources. Mrs Ellen O’Connor, secondary school teacher with over twenty years’ experience of music ministry in Sydney parishes, and our wonderfully talented musical director, will keep us on track for the evening. Entry will by voluntary donation. For hospitality and general preparation we need to know if you are coming. In your reply by email, kindly include a telephone contact as well. Please invite your friends, or pass on this message. The OPEN NIGHT is simply a COME-SEE-HEAR. But of course we’d like you to join the schola. RSVP to stephens.harry@gmail.com Enquiries (02) 9419 5838 There will be audience participation on the OPEN NIGHT. If you would like to be part of the schola itself for that February evening at least two prior rehearsals would be required.