Holy Week
See the full programme for Holy Week 2008.
Following the overwhelming success of the Holy Week events in 2007, St Peter’s Cathedral and the Elder Conservatorium of Music will again present a series of joint performances in 2008. The events are not concerts: rather they are meditative performances without applause. There is no admission fee, but a retiring offering will be taken to cover costs and support charitable work in the community.
The St John Passion, 2007
The major event in 2007 was a performance of Bach’s St John Passion on Good Friday, which attracted almost one thousand people – eclipsing even Midnight Mass at Christmas. The Advertiser, in reviewing the performance, spoke of its “commendable power” and the skill of the performers. In 2008, musicians from the two Adelaide institutions will again combine - this time to present Mozart’s famous Requiem. The Requiem is expected to attract even more people than the St John Passion; extra seating will be brought in to cope with the anticipated influx. “Events such as this are accessible for everyone, including those who may not be church-goers but who wish to mark this significant day”, says Dr Steven Ogden, Dean of the Cathedral.
More quietly successful in the 2007 Holy Week programme (and to be repeated in 2008) were the three meditative recitals on Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. These short, reflective performances are also free and will feature a variety of singers, instrumentalists, soloists and ensembles.
These four combined events form just part of the Cathedral’s busiest week of the year, during which there are also a total of seven choral services. “Our traditional services are still the core of Holy Week at the Cathedral, but our meditative performances are the perfect complement for anyone looking to extend or challenge their experience”, says the Dean. “I encourage everyone to try something new this year”.
See the full programme for Holy Week 2008. This performance of Mozart's Requiem is part of Cathedral Series 2008.