Cathedral Music Foundation to fund youth choral music

BALLARAT’S Anglican Cathedral of Christ the King is embarking on an exciting, visionary initiative that will secure the choral music tradition for which Ballarat is renowned.

The Cathedral Music Foundation aims to support young people who have an understanding, respect and a desire to learn more about choral music.

This will be achieved by providing music scholarships to young people including secondary and tertiary students who have demonstrated a commitment and aptitude for those special skills required to persevere.

The Cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend Chris Chataway has recently returned from the United Kingdom and significantly he noticed that Cathedral congregation numbers were rising, mainly because every service had a daily sung Evensong.

“Cathedrals historically have always been centres of great art, learning and music. While I was overseas, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many young people were attending services in the great British cathedrals. I knew then that establishing a Foundation in our Cathedral in Ballarat was exactly the right thing to do,” he said.

With David Hobson accepting the role of Patron of the Foundation Rev. Chataway said that there was a very strong synergy between David’s early musical experience as a chorister at St Peter’s and his success as one of Australia’s leading operatic tenors.

The challenge for the Foundation is to secure sufficient initial capital in order to use the interest for scholarships.
The Cathedral Council has appointed Trustees to manage the Foundation and its first role will be to approach the community, all tiers of governments and philanthropic trusts to seek financial support through bequests, donations and grants.

Chair of the Trustees Andrew Greenwood said that throughout history patronage has been integral in the pursuit of musical traditions.

“I had the pleasure of attending the Cathedral’s Requiem Mass recently, held for All Souls Day. It was a most moving and accomplished performance given by an expanded choir and orchestra, all of whom gave of their time willingly. Mozart composed the Requiem and was supported by the patronage of others throughout his life, and without this philanthropy he would not have written music that is enduring and the world would be the poorer for that,” Mr Greenwood said.

“I am asking our community to do likewise, to provide patronage to others who are not able financially to support themselves. Sunday’s performance is exactly the kind of event that the Foundation will be supporting in the future, providing avenues of excellence for aspiring choristers and organists.”

Philanthropy has become an important aspect of today’s society, the benefits of which can be seen almost immediately. Over the past few years Australian benefactors have recognised the importance of giving to enable visions to be realised and the community as a whole to grow in strength and prominence.

The Foundation is being ambitious in its wish list to establish a working capital. All donations are welcome, but substantial donations will be recognised appropriately, unless there is a request not to.

Tired donation levels include Seraph donors – who give $50,000 or more, Cherub donors – who give $10,000 or more and Archangel donors – who give $1,000 or more.

The Foundation will be launched at the evening performance by Silvie Paladino at 7pm at the Cathedral on Saturday, 17 November.

For tickets for Paladino’s performance are available at trybookings.com or further information on the Foundation contact the Cathedral on 5331 1183.