Gregorian Chant's new lease of life in Brisbane

AD2000 Report

Contents - May 2002 - Buy a copy now Editorial: A moral challenge for society - Peter Westmore Liturgy: New edition of the Roman Missal released: vernacular translations to come - Michael Gilchrist News: The Church Around the World Catholicism in Australia: facing the challenges of Western secularism - Archbishop George Pell General absolutions continue in the Toowoomba Diocese - Michael Gilchrist US Jesuits' action against Father Fessio sparks worldwide protests - AD2000 Report US research puts clerical sex-abuse in perspective - Philip Jenkins Gregorian Chant's new lease of life in Brisbane - AD2000 Report 'The Resurrection in the university' - IMCSA National Conference in Sydney - Nicholas Rynne Letters: Hymns (letter) - David Schutz Letters: Farewell Mass for Fr Des Byrne (letter) - Barry O'Brien Letters: Priestly formation (letter) - Cyril Drew Letters: Liturgical abuses (letter) - Name and Address Supplied Letters: Decline of the faith (letter) - Brian Carter Letters: Christian principles (letter) - Errol P. Duke Letters: Transubstantiation (letter) - Fr G.H. Duggan SM Letters: Correct Greek (letter) - Fr J.B. Cotter Letters: Need for prayer (letter) - Kevin Pitt Letters: Harry Potter? (letter) - John F. Doherty Poetry: Two Loves - John Meston Books: Demons and Democrats: 1950s Labor at the Crossroads, by Gavan Duffy - Anthony Cappello (reviewer) Books: The Forty Four: The Martyrs of the English College Rome - Christopher Quinn (reviewer) Books: Beyond Gay, by David Morrison - John S. Webster Books: Pedophiles and Priests: Anatomy of a Contemporary Crisis, by Philip Jenkins - David Ross (reviewer) Books: Prove It! Church, by Amy Welborn - Bill Muehlenberg (reviewer) Books: Father Ian Falconer's Latin Course - Ken Bayliss (reviewer) Books: New Titles from AD Books Reflection: The Ascension: climax of Our Lord's life on earth - Fr Ian Falconer SJ

Tony Vaughan, director of the Schola Cantorum of Brisbane, has been teaching people from all age groups and backgrounds Gregorian Chant (named after Pope St Gregory who lived in the seventh Century).

The continued use of the Chant was clearly requested by the Second Vatican Council, which declared: "The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy ... the Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy; therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services."

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy goes on to say it is important to "take steps so that the faithful may also be able to say or sing in Latin those parts of the Mass which pertain to them." As recently as two years ago, the Pope made a special request that the use of chant be promoted throughout the Universal Church.

Promotion

Brisbane's Schola Cantorum has been promoting the use of Gregorian Chant (many chants are from the ninth and tenth centuries AD) in a number of parishes around Brisbane, as well as in concerts and workshops. The Schola (consisting of about 20 singers, both men and women) has sung at various churches, cathedrals, art centres, the Abbey Medieval Fair, the Woodford Folk Festival and Brisbane's Cathedral Week

During the last four years, Tony Vaughan has conducted over 20 chant workshops in the Brisbane and South East Region.

Tony Vaughan comments: "The interest in Chant over the last four or five years has been amazing. Young people want to know more about this incredibly beautiful and spiritual music, and where they can experience and learn it. This interest is not just in Brisbane, but happening around the world. Gregorian Chant is one of our most precious links with the early Church.

"Many are surprised to learn that Gregorian Chant is the official and authentic music of the Catholic Church. They have never heard it in church!

"A number of young couples have requested to have the Chant at their weddings. In spite of the neglect of chant over the last 30 years, people are 'voting with their feet' and seeking to hear the chant via CDs, the Internet and at the very few parishes that occasionally use chant.

"What has also been a surprise is that the Schola has attracted singers from a range of religious backgrounds (Catholic, Anglican, Greek Orthodox, Protestant and others, who simply love singing chant). Singing chant has been an interfaith experience, resulting in friendship and rapport developing between churches and people."

Brisbane's Schola Cantorum is available to assist individuals and parishes in the appreciation and restoration of chant. For inquiries, contact Tony Vaughan, tel (07) 3395 6060, PO Box 452, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006.

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 15 No 4 (May 2002), p. 11