The music of Aberdeen based composer Paul Mealor has won international acclaim and been chosen on several occasions to celebrate important royal events. Commissioned to compose for the Coronation of King Charles, at this recital of his work Mealor will talk about the sources of its inspiration in conversation with Michael Ferguson, Director of Schola Cantorum.
Join the Cathedral's flagship choir for an evening of beautiful music in support of music at St Mary's Cathedral, Broughton Street, Edinburgh.
The Schola Cantorum of St Mary's Cathedral is on tour this Advent!
The choir will perform three special concerts by candlelight, delivering beautiful festive choral music at the following churches:
The Schola Cantorum of St Mary's Cathedral is on tour this Advent!
The choir will perform three special concerts by candlelight, delivering beautiful festive choral music at the following churches:
The Schola Cantorum of St Mary's Cathedral is on tour this Advent!
The choir will perform three special concerts by candlelight, delivering beautiful festive choral music at the following churches:
Join fellow musicians and singers from across the Archdiocese for our Music Day on Saturday 22 October.
It's for anyone interested or involved in music in the liturgy and it will help inspire a fresh outlook on liturgical music making for your parish. Register here.
There will be workshops on choir singing & organ/keyboard, sessions on planning music in your parish and a panel where you can ask your questions of the experts.
The day will end with rehearsals to play for Holy Mass at 3pm in St Margaret's Chapel (onsite), celebrated by Fr Jamie McMorrin.
The Music Day is led by:
We hope to encourage a wider culture of musicians in the Archdiocese to play and sing wonderful music that lifts the liturgy.
You don't have to be an expert to take part - even if you just enjoy singing from the pews you are warmly welcome!
Light lunch provided. Free parking onsite. Check-in from 10am on the day. Bring your instrument or arrive in good voice! Day organised by the Catechetics Commission of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Register here.
A dedicated parishioner who has contributed music to Mass in Edinburgh for decades has been awarded the Archdiocesan medal.
Mina Brown, a parishioner at St Andrew's in Ravelston, was presented with the award by Archbishop Cushley at the 10:30am Mass, attended by family and friends.
Inspired by a music teacher while a pupil at Holycross Academy, Mina started playing the piano and organ in her early teens.
Her dad was a passkeeper at St Andrew's so it was not long before she began playing music at various church services.
Mina went on to become a music teacher in primary schools – mainly the Catholic primaries of St Joseph's in Broomhouse and Holycross at Trinity.
With her musical ability and generous personality, she was in great demand in St Joseph’s, St Andrew's and St Margaret’s in Davidson's Mains, for Sunday Mass, weddings, and special occasions.
She arranged and conducted choirs in schools and churches across the city and was passionate about music and the joy it brings.
For those who know her, a summary of Mina’s contribution to the church would be incomplete without mention of her late husband, Ronnie Brown, who was also active in the Catholic church, especially latterly in St Andrew's.
Ronnie died in 2013 and he is remembered particularly for a beautiful watercolour of the church, which he drew as part of the parish’s centenary celebrations in 2001.
Mina retired as organist in her mid-eighties in 2019 to spend more time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In total, Mina has provided music services to Catholic schools and churches in Edinburgh for around 70 years. Thank you, Mina!
The Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray, then Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh.
Since then, just over 100 or so medals have been awarded for “outstanding voluntary service” to the Church at a local level.
The impressive debut album from the Schola Cantorum of St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh is now available to listen to online.
'With Angels and Archangels' can be streamed on Apple Music, Amazon Music and Spotify after a CD release last year proved popular.
How important is music to Mass?
"It's a really a crucial aspect of the liturgy," says Michael Ferguson, Director of Music at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral in Edinburgh. "It add to the holiness of Mass and the majesty of the liturgy."
That's why he's joining James Greechan, Director of Music at St Patrick's, Kilsyth, to host this special free event. It's for anyone who contributes (or wants to contribute) music to Mass, either by singing, leading a choir or playing an instrument.
Our Living Church Music event is this Saturday at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. All abilities welcome! pic.twitter.com/uhUNApqCI3
— Archbishop Leo Cushley (@leocushley) September 11, 2019
James, a student of music, said: "It's a gorgeous way of praying, to help our fellow parishioners to grow in holiness through the music that we play. It's great joy to do as well.
"This day is to give them the sense that they are not alone, that there's help and that great things can be achieved in a parish.
Michael added: "The day is open to everybody, whether or not you're actively involved in music.
Both men will be giving advice on how to improve your music offering while you can share your own tips on what works in your parish. Book your place now at eventbrite by clicking here.
Living Church Music, 10:30am - 3:00pm, Saturday 14 September, Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.