Important moment recorded for WA

After the ABC television crew had finished recording the Festival of Lessons and Carols at St George's Cathedral yesterday evening, John Day, Minister for Culture and the Arts, declared the recording a significant event not only for the Cathedral, but for Western Australia.

The recording will be broadcast to the nation at 7.30pm on Christmas Eve on ABC national television, and at 8.00pm on ABC Classic FM Radio

Minister Day sought out the Cathedral Choir immediately after the service, and in an impromptu speech, he thanked the singers and Master of the Choristers, Joseph Nolan, and explained to the choristers that the event was a great achievement for the Choir, the Cathedral and for WA.

After months of preparation, the Choir sang to perfection and Assistant Organist Stewart Smith played magnificently. Lessons were read by significant figures in the life of the Cathedral and the City of Perth, including Premier Colin Barnett, Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi, and Minister Day.

With carefully positioned spotlighting, the Cathedral looked even more stunning than usual as daylight faded and candles were lit according to tradition. The only pause in proceedings was a planned organ interlude mid-carol for cameras to reposition themselves for the procession.

The Festival of Lessons and Carols will take place as usual in the Cathedral on 22, 23 and 24 December at 7.30pm.