Choir brings saint’s story to life
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Cantabile Singers will perform the choral and orchestral work, Mary MacKillop Mass, in St Ignatius Church, Norwood, on Friday November 7.
Nicholas Buc was commissioned to write the Mass in 2009 by the Shire of Glenelg, in Victoria, for the centenary of the death of Mary MacKillop. It was premiered by the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic in Portland, Victoria.
The concert is the inspiration of Denise Rothall, music director of Cantabile Singers. She is known to many as the music director of the Catholic Schools Music Festival, a role she has filled for 25 years.
“I was really excited to conduct the Adelaide premiere of the Mary MacKillop Mass in 2016. And it was so well-received that we did an encore performance the next year,” Denise said.
“When I was selecting music for Cantabile Singers to perform in 2025, I was drawn to the theme of the Jubilee year – Pilgrims of Hope.
“Given the turmoil in the world, I thought of how Mary MacKillop brings me hope.
“I believe her life and story convey a message of hope for us all. It aligns beautifully with the Jubilee theme and inspired me to want to perform the work again.”
Denise said composers had been writing music to the Ordinary of the Mass for centuries, for example the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei.
Buc’s Mary MacKillop Mass is a joyful symphonic cantata that combines the traditional Mass with stories from the life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Written in 12 movements, it follows the familiar order of the Mass while adding arias, choruses and short interludes that highlight important moments in Mary’s life.
The baritone soloist narrates the story of Mary’s life.
“I see him as the Father Julian Tenison Woods character,” Denise said. This contrasts with the soprano solo sections, which use texts taken from Mary’s diaries. These words from the heart provide deep insight into Mary’s inner life.
“There is also the beautiful Josephites’ Credo. This is sung by the women in the choir and captures the essence of the Josephite’s beliefs.”
Mary had an amazing ability to attract followers – the true sign of a leader – yet she never sought personal riches or glory which perhaps explained her ability to garner wide support from across society.
Denise said Cantabile Singers was fortunate to be able to perform the Mass at St Ignatius Church in Norwood.
“It is a place of profound significance in Mary’s life. It is where she sought refuge after she was excommunicated. The Jesuit priests supported her and provided communion to her in secret. When her excommunication was lifted, she first celebrated Mass again in this church.”
Josephite Sister and founder of the Catholic Schools Music Festival, Sr Colleen Roberts rsj, heard the Mass performed by Cantabile Singers in 2016 and described the composer’s music was “just magnificent”.
“I loved his choice of instruments,” she said.
“Uplifting and joyful when it needed to be. The difficulty as an audience member was refraining from clapping. It transported me to another realm.”
The soloists for this concert are well-known to lovers of choral music. Emma Borgas sings soprano with Adelaide Chamber Singers, widely considered Australia’s finest chamber choir. Jeremy Tatchell sings baritone with the State Opera of South Australia and has an extensive choral and recital repertoire.
For more information or to book tickets to the Mary MacKillop Mass (8pm, November 7) visit cantabilesingers.org.au
– James Roberts
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