Orchestral Mass at St Mary's 
On Sunday July 25, four Iona music students had the pleasure of taking part in the St Mary's Cathedral Orchestral Mass 2021. This is an annual occasion which brings together many young people to share their gifts and talents in an uplifting and musical celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Students from a range of schools were invited to form an orchestra and choir, which were augmented by the St Mary's Cathedral Choir, other musicians, vocal soloists and organ. The glorious sound resonated and filled the heights and breadth of the beautiful St Mary's Cathedral.
Amelie Ong (11 MOY), Madeleine Ong (11 MOY), and Imogen Sartorello, 9 (OD) played in the orchestra, and Sienna Hathrill (8 OD) sang in the choir.
The mass was celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, who had a warm and welcoming message for us all about finding beauty in God, and the sharing of gifts and talents.
Music included both traditional and contemporary hymns, and the parts of the mass. We were treated to some impressive organ playing, both before and after the mass, the vast pipe organ resounding throughout the cathedral. A smaller ensemble of musicians performed Mozart's beautiful 'Laudate Dominum', and the St Mary's Cathedral choir sang some exquisite sixteenth century motets by Palestrina. It was particularly moving to be part of the contemporary hymn "Our Lady of the Southern Cross", composed for the World Youth Day 2008, which combined the choir, orchestra, and two vocal soloists. Another favourite was "For the Beauty of the Earth", played during the offertory.
The four of us felt privileged to be a part of this beautiful occasion. We would certainly love to do it again! We wish to thank St Mary's Cathedral Music Programme, and of course Mrs Lamborn and the Iona Music Department for always providing us with uplifting musical opportunities.
Imogen Sartorello
(9 O'Dowling)
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