Music at the Cathedral
The fine choral tradition at Holy Trinity Cathedral can be seen as having its origins in the work
of
Professor Peter Godfrey who was Director of Music from 1958 – 1973. Several notable New Zealanders have been members of the Cathedral Choir, including internationally renowned composers Jack Body and Gillian Whitehead, critic William Dart, former Principal Environment Court Judge, David Sheppard and eminent geologist Peter Ballance. Click
here to see a photograph of the 1963 choir which includes several of them.
In the ensuing 40 years the Anglican Church in New Zealand has gone through a remarkable period of liturgical change. In recent years, the Cathedral has begun addressing the complex question of how to be a Cathedral in New Zealand in the 21st century.
For the music, the particular question revolves around the relationship between quality music of the past and present, and the liturgy. While not abandoning our Anglican church music heritage, it is important for cathedral music in Aotearoa New Zealand not to become insular, elitist or inaccessible in a contemporary world.
Therefore we at the cathedral are very conscious of the need to develop alternative forms of worship which meet the needs of the diverse community of Auckland, and moreover New Zealand. These forms should not affect or displace the styles of worship which are very much an integral part of the history of Holy Trinity, but should work alongside them.
The Music Department is led by
Canon Peter de Blois, the Director of Music. The Cathedral’s junior choir, known affectionately as the
Choristars, is conducted by Margaret Hawkes. The Belinda Godfrey Memorial Organ Scholar is
Paul Tarling.
To assist us in offering these programmes, the Music Department is supported by the following organisations:
The Cathedral Choir
The Choir sings Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong each Sunday during term, and is also involved in a number of other activities. . . .
Learn about the Choir
here.
The Choristars
The Junior Choir was formed in 1999, largely from members of our "Kathedral Kids"
Sunday School classes. New members are welcome to audition for this choir which is
developing a following of its own. . . .
Learn more about the Choristars
here.
Directors of Music
The Cathedral has been blessed with a succession of excellent musicians
as Directors of Music.
Peter de Blois, appointed in 2000, . . .
Learn more about our Directors
here, or through the Directory
here.
The Cathedral Organ
The magnificent Cathedral Organ is situated high above the Patteson entrance,
in the South Transept . .
Learn more about the organ
here.
Music at St Mary's
Information about music in St Mary's is found
here.
Scholarships
The Cathedral Music Foundation and the LCM Saunders Scholarships Fund offer several
scholarships to people showing talent and promise in their involvement in Cathedral Music.
More information about scholarships, and how to apply for them,
can be found through the following links: