Music at St George's

The Organist and Master of the Choristers – a position currently held by international recitalist Joseph Nolan – is responsible for directing the Cathedral’s Concert Series, fast becoming one of the premier music series in Perth, and conducting the Choir, which has become widely noted as much for the quality of its performances as the diversity of its repertoire.

The primary function of the Choir is to sing at the choral services in the Cathedral, where music has traditionally occupied a position of much importance, drawing on the great treasures of the sacred choral heritage, and embracing music from many different styles and schools of composition

The Cathedral Choir also performs and broadcasts nationally, and tours internationally – travelling to France for Anzac Day 2008, with performances at Amiens Cathedral and St Sulpice, Paris.

The Cathedral Consort, formed in 2008, is a professional choir of 10 singers. The Consort sings at Evensong three times a month and in the absence of the Cathedral Choir.

The West Organ, which was installed in 1993 in a specially constructed gallery, has recently undergone extensive tonal refinements. The Chancel Organ, in the chamber under the Bell Tower, is designed to accompany choirs singing in the Chancel, and the Chamber Organ, built in 1987, can be placed anywhere in the Cathedral to serve as a continuo instrument.

The Cathedral’s peal of bells, founded as a memorial to Queen Victoria, can be heard each Sunday before the 10.00am Eucharist and 5.00pm Evensong.

Each bell is rung by one person, who turns it in full circle by means of a rope attached to a wooden wheel, and running down through the floor to the ringer below. The methods are rung by memory, and co-ordinated by a conductor who rings one of the bells. It takes some time to master the art of controlling and handling a bell, and the St George’s ringers are extremely skilled.

Ringing practice is on Tuesdays at 6.00pm, and visiting ringers are always warmly welcomed.

Concerts at One, the Cathedral's lunchtime concerts, are an opportunity for music students and local musicians to perform in a unique environment to an appreciative audience. The winter series features senior high school and tertiary music students, while the spring series includes guest performers.