ST MARY OF THE ANGELS

Boulcott Street     Wellington     New Zealand

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The Choir

• Choir Practices

There has been a choir at St Mary of the Angels since the first church was built on the site in 1843. The choir that sings at 11:00am Mass is directed by Robert Oliver. It is best known for singing Gregorian Chant, and motets by Palestrina, Victoria, Peter Philips, Monteverdi, Bruckner and Poulenc.

Liturgical music at St Mary of the Angels comes in several forms. From the timeless beauty of Gregorian Chant and the motets of Palestrina at 11:00am, to the more immediate inspiration of the Mass with contemporary music at 5:00pm, with guitars, or the English hymns, psalms and ordinary at the 9:00am Mass. There is something for everyone.

The 11:00am choir practices for two hours every Thursday evening at 7:30pm, and for ½-an-hour hour before the 11am Mass on Sundays. It gives occasional public concerts, and for special occasions sings Vespers on Sunday evenings. The choir is always seeking new members. Anyone can join, the only qualification is a genuine love of singing. Robert Oliver can be contacted through the parish office (473 8074) at home (385 2296) or by email

The particular expertise needed can be learned “on the job” and many of the present membership have developed the necessary skills since joining the choir. Robert Oliver is an experienced teacher of singing, and welcomes potential members who are willing to learn, running extra (voluntary, and free) development sessions on Friday evenings.

The 5:00pm choir practices from about one hour before Mass on Sundays. They welcome new members.