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By Paul Kennedy
In a deeply moving evening of sacred music, Artes Christi presented a performance of extraordinary beauty and precision in their recent In Memoriam concert, featuring Fauré’s Requiem alongside masterpieces by Byrd, Josquin, Gjeilo, and others.
The result was a night that affirmed Artes Christi’s growing reputation for artistic excellence and spiritual depth while also remembering Donald Macdonald, Artes Christi’s legendary theatrical director who recently passed away.
From the opening Introit chant of the Missa pro Defunctis, sung from the back of the church, the audience was drawn into a space of reverent stillness. The ancient melody, carried unaccompanied through the air, set a meditative tone that framed the entire program – music as prayer, offered with purity and purpose.
The choir then moved into Josquin des Prez’s Missa L’homme armé sexti toni, performed antiphonally from opposite sides of the church.
The effect was stunning. The echoing soprano lines and intricate counterpoint filled the space with a sense of divine symmetry, transforming the church into a living instrument.
It was a performance that showcased wonderful balance, control, and understanding of Renaissance form.
That mastery continued in William Byrd’s Ne irascaris Domine, sung around the baptistry.
The sound of Renaissance polyphony rose and swirled in gentle waves, the voices blending in exquisite harmony. It was music of lament and hope, delivered with technical assurance and heartfelt conviction.
Among the many highlights of the evening was Ola Gjeilo’s Ave Generosa, where the choir achieved a level of artistry rarely heard outside professional ensembles. Charlotte Crowe’s floating solo line was luminous, and the overall sound quality shimmered with warmth and clarity, every phrase perfectly placed.
Anna Stephens offered a beautiful and tender Pie Jesu from Fauré’s Requiem, her tone crystalline and deeply moving. Jesse van Proctor brought a rich, expressive gravitas to the bass solos, while the string ensemble gave a graceful and sensitive reading of Dvořák’s American Quartet, capturing its lyricism and quiet poignancy.
The collaboration with guest artists from Coro Austral and choristers from Bondi Catholic Parish also added greatly to the evening. Together, they formed a unified, radiant sound – a living example of faith expressed through community and art.
The evening also paid tribute to the late, great Donald Macdonald (1939-2025), a much-loved mentor and performer whose legacy with Artes Christi continues to inspire.
As part of this tribute for Donald, I was personally honoured to be able recite the opening verses of St John’s Gospel which Donald performed hundreds of times across the world in his iconic one-man play The Gospel According to St John where he had learnt the entire Gospel off by heart.
Under the direction of Michael Murphy, the choir displayed not only technical mastery but true musical insight. His leadership has guided the ensemble to new artistic heights, uniting professionalism with prayerful sincerity.
Beyond the beauty of the music, the concert carried a deeper purpose: raising funds and awareness for Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). Through such performances, Artes Christi continues to demonstrate how sacred music can both uplift the spirit and serve the mission of the Church.
Audiences now look forward to the upcoming Christmas season, with performances including the 17th annual Carols in the the City at St Thomas Church Lewisham on 7th December – an opportunity to experience again the artistry, faith, and generosity of Artes Christi’s expanding cultural and spiritual outreach.
Paul Kennedy acted in nine productions directed by Donald Macdonald including A Man For All Seasons, Murder in the Cathedral, Shadowlands, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and St John Paul II’s play The Jeweller’s Shop.