The Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Choir began as the Parish Choir of St Joseph's Church in 1861, and was transferred to the status of Pro-Cathedral choir when the first Bishop of the Diocese, Dr. Moran, arrived in Otago in 1871. The Choir moved to the present Cathedral when it was opened in 1886. it was originally constituted as a mixed choir, but under the direction of Dr Vernon Griffiths in 1936 boy sopranos replaced the women's section. The choir was reformed in 1954, again incorporating women, and today consists of about 36 members.
In May 1998 John McKewen, a St Joseph's Cathedral chorister of 50 years, was recognised at a service on Sunday. For a good part of his life, John McKewen has sung with the St Joseph's Cathedral choir. On Sunday, he celebrated 50 years as a chorister and sung again for the first time in eight months after ill health kept him from his place in the Cathedral balcony.
Mr McKewen started singing as a bass with the choir when he was 16, and has kept at it ever since. In 1948, the choir was still male-only, but women were introduced about 5 years later.
It was not only the singing but the camaraderie of the choir which he enjoyed. Mr McKewen said. Although he had been soloist on occasion, he preferred singing as part of the choir. In the past, he liked singing Gregorian Chants. Mr McKewen also enjoyed the Reproaches at Easter and singing at Lent.
The Cathedral Choir sang only every second Sunday now. Choir added solemnity and devotion to a service and it was unfortunate more churches were unable to have them, he said.
On the 21st of August, Mr McKewen died suddenly at his home. His wife Patrica and family had deep sympathy about him. The Requiem Mass for him, was celebrated by Bishop Boyle offered in Holy Name Church, while the Cathedral was still closed for renovations.
See: History of the Cathedral Choir 1862-1922
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JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL AUGUMENTED CHOIR |
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Legend:
C, St Joseph's Cathedral B, St Joseph's, Brockville |
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The Cathedral Choir is seeking new members. It participates in major liturgical functions throughout the year plus special diocesan events. Benefits of joining the choir include:
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Sopranos URGENTLY needed plus vacancies exist for altos, tenors and bases.
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The Gabrieli Choir
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You Enjoy Singing Would you like to improve your musicianship skills - pitch, rhythm, sight-singing - all the skills that are necessary for successful Trinity and Royal examinations as well as School Certificate and Bursary? Would you like to sing traditional repertoire, ie Bach, Schubert, Mozart, Faure, etc, as well as works by modern composers such as John Rutter, Colin Mawby, Dorothy Buchanan, Anthony Ritchie? If So Come And Join The Gabrieli Choir Through regular performances in a group situation, you will gain experience and confidence. You will be well prepared, as you will learn not only the notes, but style, tone quality, phrasing, dynamics and the meaning of the words, so that you will perform to a high standard. Think of how many of today's successful New Zealand/Otago singers had their beginnings as a youngster in a church choir. The Gabrieli Choir was formed by Maureen Smith in 1986 and continues the tradition of fine choral singing at St Joseph's Cathedral. The choir sings the 10.00 am Eucharist on the first and third Sunday of each month. In the past the Gabrieli Choir has also
Social occasions include attending operattas and operas in Dunedin and Mosgiel, movies, meals at members' homes as well as at Pizza hut and McDonald's. Maureen Smith graduated MusBHons from Otago University in 1983, and has been teaching singing since that time, successfully preparing students for Trinity and Royal exams from Grade Four to Diploma level. She is part-time vocal tutor at Dunedin College of Education, and for 15 years until 1997, was Music Director at Holy Cross, the National Catholic Seminary at Mosgiel. Since 1980 she has been a member of the Southern Consort of Voices, under the leadership of Professor Jack Speirs. Maureen has extensive experience as a choral director, having in the past conducted St Joseph's Cathedral Choir, Southern Consort of Voices and Southern Youth Choir, as well as being the Director of the Columba College Cantabile and Madrigal Choirs. With this background, Maureen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the art of conducting. She enjoys working with young singers and believes in making rehearsals and performances a stimulating and enjoyable experience, while at the same time achieving the highest possible standard. The Gabrieli Choir was formed by Maureen Smith in November 1985. It is made up of young women aged 10 years and upward, who are students from schools, colleges and tertiary institutions in Dunedin. The Choir sings regularly in St Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin and at social functions. Rehearsal are held in the Library at St Joseph's Cathedral School, Elm Row, from 3.45 pm to 5.00 pm every Monday afternoon. The Choir girls gets its name from Mother Gabriel Gill OP who was the foundress of the first Community of Dominican Sisters who came to Dunedin in 1871 with Bishop Moran. Directed by Maureen Smith |
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