“The musical tradition of the Universal Church is a treasure of immensurable value, greater even than that of any other art”
– Vatican II
The Music Department provides music for the parish and diocesan liturgies in the Cathedral, embracing a wide range of styles. It also provides music for important civic, school and ecumenical occasions for the town and county and offers training and support to all the parishes in the diocese. A long-standing series of concerts and recitals in the Cathedral providing artistic, spiritual and social benefit to the wider community through music.
To contact the Cathedral Master of Music, Andrew Wright: music@dioceseofbrentwood.org / Telephone: 01277 265288
The Cathedral Choir is widely recognised as one of the finest in the English Roman Catholic church, providing music the 11.30am Sunday Mass, weekday Vespers and all the main celebrations that feature in the life of a busy Cathedral. The Cathedral Choir comprises the Lay Clerk singers. There are also the boy and girl choristers and former choristers, who are offered high quality training by the Music Department. This has enabled many to go on and establish professional careers in music.
The repertoire of the Cathedral choirs extends from plainchant, through the polyphonic and classical masterpieces to modern settings, several specially commissioned by the Cathedral Music Department.
Wednesday Vespers is usually live streamed on the Brentwood Cathedral Music Facebook page
The Cathedral Choir is led by the Director of Music, Andrew Wright, an accomplished choir trainer, organist and composer.
The music at the 9.30am Sunday Mass is provided by a variety of groups.
The Cathedral Music Group (CMG) is a fun and friendly choir that sings at the 9.30 am mass on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th Sunday of every month. The group consists of approximately thirty singers and instrumentalists ranging from age 11-80. It sings a variety of liturgical music from across the whole choral tradition. It welcome singers and musicians of all abilities and you don’t have to read music to take part. The CMG rehearses from 8.50am am in the Cathedral on the morning of the mass and is directed by Art Wangcharoensab. Contact artwangcharoensab@outlook.com
On the first Sunday of the month the music is led by PS150 which offers a contemporary repertoire. PS150 is led by Sarah Conrad
The ‘Flash Mob’ Choir and Orchestra leads the music at the 9.30am Mass on the 4th Sunday of the month during term time. It is led by Amanda Romhany.
The Flash Mob is open to any children in the parish who play a musical instrument or like to sing. They just come along for a brief rehearsal twenty minutes before Mass begins and then they lead the music at Mass.
There have been many different types of instruments over the years; violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, cornet, cello, French horn and trombone. Some young people help to lead the singing, even singing the psalm and some prefer to sing with the group – no pressure – whatever you are comfortable with.
One of the best things about ‘Flash Mob’ is how older teenagers who were original members of our early days of ‘Flash Mob’ still come along to play and really inspire the younger ones to have confidence. Some have been playing an instrument for years and some have just started – we encourage all!
If you haven’t yet experienced ‘Flash Mob’, come along and see what it feels like. It truly is an uplifting way to celebrate Mass and the wonderful children of our parish. Keep an eye out in the parish newsletter for the next date.
For more information please contact, Amanda Romhany: cathedralbrentwood@gmail.com
The organ was built by the London firm of Alfred Hunter in 1881. It was formerly in St Mary-at-the-Wall, Colchester and was a gift from the Diocese of Chelmsford. It was rebuilt and enlarged by Daniels of Clevedon in 1991 when it was moved to the Cathedral and placed in a new case designed by the Cathedral’s architect Quinlan Terry.
The range and versatility of the organ has attracted many eminent organists to give recitals at the Cathedral.
The Cathedral is an ideal venue for performing music and hosts many concerts and recitals during the year.
These range from regular lunchtime recitals by talented organists, pianists, instrumentalists and singers to major choral concerts with orchestra, as well as a wide range of school and community musical events. Many great choral works, such as Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius, Verdi’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah have been performed in the Cathedral
The Cathedral also hosts the annual Royal School of Church Music festival for the region, alternating with Chelmsford Cathedral.
The flexibility of the space has also enabled it to stage performances of Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde and St Nicholas.
To be added to the mailing list for information about forthcoming musical events at the Cathedral contact Nina How at music@ dioceseofbrentwood.org
Brentwood Cathedral began in 1861 as a parish church built in a Gothic style. This relatively small building was raised to cathedral status in 1917. Between 1989 and 1991 the church was enlarged in an Italianate classical style.
The new Brentwood Cathedral was dedicated by Cardinal Basil Hume on 31 May 1991 and in 2022 the cathedral was listed at Grade II.
Photos used are copyright and property of Brentwood Cathedral, Graham Hillman and Jim Lynch
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