Hobson becomes Patron of Cathedral Music Foundation

THE Chair of Trustees of the newly-established Ballarat Anglican Cathedral Music Foundation, Andrew Greenwood, and The Dean, the Very Reverend Chris Chataway, recently announced that Ballarat’s very own world-renowned tenor David Hobson has agreed to become the Foundation’s Patron.

The official launch of the Foundation will take place after the evening performance of Silvie Paladino on Saturday, 17 November at Christ the King Anglican Cathedral in Ballarat. Hobson said his love of music from a young age was a reason he’s taken on the role.

“I first started singing in the choir at Ballarat Grammar school and then joined the choir of St Peter’s Church in Ballarat. This instilled in me a great love of liturgical music. The tradition of Choral music is a wonderful grounding for any aspiring musician,” he said.

“I was also fortunate to grow up in a family musical environment. Afternoon and evening soirees were spent around the piano where relatives (a particularly strong Welsh musical heritage) and friends like the Lemkes and Sargeants would sing and play everything from hymns, classical songs and musical theatre through to the latest pop songs.

“It was a wonderful experience and taught me, from an early age, the importance of tradition, family and culture. I hope that through the Foundation we can instil a similar love and respect in future generations.”

Mr Greenwood said he was grateful for Hobsons support.

“We are delighted that David has accepted our invitation to become Patron of the Foundation. David will be a wonderful support as he is the kind of person current and future young musicians can aspire to,” he said.

The Cathedral Music Foundation aims to support the musical life of the Cathedral by attracting young people with an interest in music to broaden their skills and experience while enriching the musical culture of the Cathedral.

Rev. Chataway said that traditionally music has always been important and integral to the life of Cathedrals.

“Cathedrals tend to be centres of excellence in music and that is what we are aiming for here in Ballarat. I want to see our Cathedral as a place where music is offered both to God and to all people in worship,” he said.

“On a personal level, I am delighted that David Hobson has accepted our invitation to become Patron of the Cathedral Music Foundation. His family has strong connections with the Anglican Church and so it is fitting that he will add to Ballarat’s musical culture in this way.”

The launch of the Cathedral Music Foundation will be after the second of Silvie Paladino’s performances at the Cathedral of Saturday, 17 November.

The first performance begins at 3 pm, the second at 7 pm.

Paladino is a generous performer with a huge talent. She is known for her annual appearances on Carols by Candlelight for the Channel Nine Network as well as her New Year’s Eve Concerts.

Tickets for the performance are available through trybooking.com

Adult $30, concession $25, children under 14 $10, with a small additional charge for supper and the launch – at which the current Cathedral Choir will perform.