After 13 years as Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, Thomas Wilson is leaving the position. His last day in the role will be Christmas Day – so it’s going to be a festive season he will never forget.

Between now and then, he has a lot to keep him busy. On top of the daily choral liturgical services, he is conducting two performances of A Choral Christmas Celebration on Friday 16 December – an annual event that draws a sell-out audience, who cherish the traditional Christmas experience. Featuring the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir with Sinfonia Australis, the concert will include music by Bach, Handel, John Rutter and Morten Lauridsen, among others, as well as Christmas carols.

Thomas Wilson

Thomas Wilson. Photo supplied

Wilson – who was born in Hamilton, New Zealand – doesn’t have another position lined up after he leaves St Mary’s Cathedral. “I’m heading off into the great unknown!” he says with a laugh.

“Being Director of Music in a cathedral is a very all-encompassing job. It can also be all-defining, and so I just want to take a little bit of time to see what other...