Traditional Music
Traditional music liturgy at St Patrick’s is provided by a group of trained musicians led by the Musical Director, Breda McKinney. The resident organist is Stefan Bednarczyk and the assistant organist, Bridget Cunningham. The sung Masses performed by the choir alternate between Latin and English settings and participation by the congregation is welcomed and encouraged.
At St Patrick’s, music liturgy is an intrinsic part of the weekly Sunday morning Mass and also services on specific feast days and occasions. Mass on St Patrick’s Day is celebrated either by the Archbishop, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor or one of the Bishops of the Diocese. The music liturgy celebrates the cultural and historical links between St Patrick’s and the Irish community in London.
The Easter Triduum is a particularly musically rich period in the Parish calendar. The choir performs at all services from Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday, contributing poignant and reflective music to each service as the last days of Jesus’ life are recalled and reflected upon. On Good Friday, the choir’s unaccompanied performance of The Passion According to St. John (Arr. Jeremy de Satgé) is particularly emotive, contrasted the following evening at the Easter Vigil by Breda McKinney’s inspiring performance of Mozart’s Alleluia ( Exultate Jubilate) celebrating the Resurrection of Christ.
Occasionally, an international Mass is celebrated at St Patrick’s. On these occasions the music liturgy is shared with the Chinese and Spanish communities who also worship at St Patrick’s.
New members to the choir are always welcome. Anyone interested in joining should contact the musical director, Breda McKinney.
Page updated 6th November MMVII, Copyright bspoken for St Patrick's Church
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