From the heart of Vatican City to some of Great Britain’s most breathtaking cathedrals and churches, students from St Mary’s Cathedral Choir have delivered a series of remarkable performances during an unforgettable international tour showcasing the beauty and tradition of sacred choral music. 

The tour began in Rome, where Australia’s oldest musical ensemble arrived to sing Mass at one of the Catholic Church’s most sacred and significant sites, St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. 

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring the talent of St Mary’s Cathedral Choir Sydney to two of the world’s most renowned basilicas, and the Church’s Australian home in Rome,” said Kerrie McDiarmid, Principal of St Mary’s Cathedral College.  

“These are venues that many musicians only dream about singing in, and our students have had the opportunity to fill these spaces with their voices. It’s hard to match the experience of singing in the Vatican. Seeing our students walk into the Basilica and perform in such a magnificent place was a truly special opportunity.” 

The Choir then performed a Mass and a concert at the awe-inspiring Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, marking an extraordinary beginning to an unforgettable international tour. 

The choir’s time in Rome concluded with the privilege of attending Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Students also visited the magnificent Sistine Chapel and Colosseum, gaining a deeper appreciation of the city’s rich history and heritage. 

From Rome, the choir travelled to Scotland, where choristers sang Mass at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral Edinburgh before performing a concert for a warm and appreciative audience. 

Students also visited Edinburgh Castle, continuing their exploration of Scotland’s history and heritage. 

The final leg of the tour saw the choir …