Perth’s St George’s Cathedral has announced its performance program for 2024, a series blending the traditional and the modern with the aim to instil “musical bliss and spiritual awakening”.

The series begins on 27 March at the Perth Concert Hall with Gloria in which the combined forces of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) and St George’s Cathedral Consort will deliver an elevating, Easter-themed program of music by Vivaldi, Weelkes and Handel, under the baton of Joseph Nolan.

On 30 May, St George’s presents the Sir Francis Burt Memorial Concert, this time featuring David Elton (Principal Trumpet of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra) with Nolan at the organ. Expect the unexpected as the duo explores the sonic capabilities of their instruments in a dialogue that will range from the ethereal to the explosive.

After a winter break in the program, St George’s will host the Australian String Quartet on 31 October for program designed to resonate with chamber music aficionados while winning over more. The program – the first the ASQ has played in St George’s since 2021 – includes works by Haydn, Olli Mustonen and Grieg.

The season ends with Ave Rex (13 November), a collaboration between WASO’s Brass Octet, the Cathedral Consort and organist Stewart Smith to unfurl the festive spirit with sacred and secular Christmas classics. The concert will spotlight the world premiere of the Magnificat by composer Ruben Davies, adding a contemporary nuance to the traditional fabric of the concert.

For tickets and more information, visit the St Georges Cathedral Concert Series website.