Sydney-siders flocked to St Anne’s Church at Bondi recently for its inaugural Christmas Concert and benediction.
As part of the beach-side parish’s ‘Evangelisation through beauty’ program, concert-goers were treated to a night of music featuring sacred works by Hassler, Rheinberger, Palestrina, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Bruckner and Cornelius as well as the now famous ‘Ave Maria’ of Franz Biebl.
“The music was really well received, and the benediction sung only in candlelight was incredibly moving and memorable.”
However, it was the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament sung by candlelight that provided the perfect finale of the evening.
Presented by Eugene Raggio in full choral setting, the concert showcased music that reflected Advent while giving people the opportunity to see the renovations carried out during lockdown.
“We had people flock from all over Sydney, and from their comments we really made a splash, not just with the music, but the beautiful renovations to the church,” he said.
“The music was really well received, and the benediction sung only in candlelight was incredibly moving and memorable.
“It was the first of its kind here in Bondi, with many, more to come.”
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