Old meets new in Cathedral spectacular
News
The interior of St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral has been transformed by stunning projections as part of the Chiaroscuro Adelaide Fringe show.
In what is believed to be the first time that architectural projection has been used inside a cathedral in Australia, thousands of people are flocking to see the stunning Chiarascuro Adelaide Fringe Show at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral.
A spokesperson for the Fringe said ticket sales were tracking very well and it was anticipated more than 15,000 people would go through the doors over the four weeks.
The Cathedral is playing host to the Fringe event 170 years, to the month, after the historic building’s foundation stone was laid on March 17 (St Patrick’s Day) 1856, with many of the ticketholders having never been inside it before.
Chiarascuro is an Italian word meaning the effect of contrasted light and shade in art.
The 18-minute program of spectacular projections is accompanied by uplifting choral music compiled by Cathedral musicians Timothy Davey and Astrid Sengkey.
Recorded at Cathedral choir concerts (also featuring Holy Cross Choir from Goodwood) in 2024 and 2025, the pieces include: UbI Caritas by Maurice Durufle circa 1950; Ne irascaris Domine by William Byrd circa 1570; O Sacrum Convivium by Sarasola 2018; and Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi circa 1715 – accompanied by the Flinders University Chamber Ensemble.
The spine-tingling combination of Vivaldi’s Gloria and images of pink flowers opening up in a sea of greenery is a highlight of the show and is an apt representation of the Easter message of new life.
The show has attracted widespread interest and featured on national television on February 17.
Peter Milne, projection technical designer for The Electric Canvas, the company which has produced the projections, said he believed it was the first time that accurate architectural projection had been used inside a cathedral. His company presented a simple display inside the Crypt at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney as part of their “Christmas at the Cathedral” event last December.
Mr Milne said the wonderful architecture of the Cathedral was being brought to life and exposing more people to its beauty.
Former Fringe director Heather Croall said she had worked on outdoor projections in North Terrace and the Sleeps Hill tunnel light show and turned her attention to internal architectural projections in churches and cathedrals in Europe and North America.
“They are starting to take these beautiful sacred places and light them up in a way that people can see them in a whole new light,” she told The Southern Cross.
Admission to Cathedral Chiaroscuro is $15, with evening sessions beginning from 8:30pm. Most visitors spend around 20–25 minutes inside the illuminated cathedral as the experience unfolds around them.
For more information and tickets, visit adelaidefringe.com.au
