About Us
History and Background
Music at the Basilica is dedicated to presenting fine sacred music performed by excellent artists in the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels Geelong. Formed by Artistic Director and Basilica Organist Frank De Rosso in 2006, it has grown to become a significant contributor to the cultural life of Geelong through its ‘Encounters’ and ‘Seasons’ Series and the popular Free Lunchtime Organ Recitals. It is an Incorporated Association.
Music from the ancient to the contemporary, in solo and ensemble settings for voice and instruments is presented by excellent artists. Artists of high international reputation, accomplished local musicians and young and emerging artists perform music from a wide range of traditions. The unique acoustics from many spaces in the Basilica and the qualities of the beautiful Fincham pipe organ are explored. Fr Kevin Dillon, Parish Priest of St Mary’s Geelong has shown solid support in permitting the use of the Basilica for the presentation of this sacred music combined with other art forms. The City of Greater Geelong has made several generous Grants through Community Programs. Arts Victoria has given support. Generous citizens have made the music possible through their donations. There is a valued “Friends” support Group.
Our Mission
- to present sacred music for its intrinsic merit as an art form;
- to welcome the citizens of Geelong, as well as visitors, to the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels as audience in a shared experience of excellent sacred music by accomplished performers;
- to make wide use of the pipe organ for public enjoyment by inviting excellent performers to explore its capabilities in solo performances as well as accompaniment to choral and instrumental works;
- to encourage the participation of local artists, young
performers and school students in performing sacred music in a
traditional sacred setting;
to feature Australian composers where appropriate; - to mark the iconic, heritage-listed status of the Basilica by bringing it to the notice of visitors and citizens through annual series of excellent concerts;
- to build on the generosity of the citizens of Geelong and their elected representatives in the restoration and maintenance of the Basilica and the pipe organ by making both the venue and the organ available for public enjoyment;
- to present some sacred concerts and other activities free of charge as a service to people who may find concert outings too expensive;
- to present sacred concerts and other activities at convenient times as a service to those who need to use public transport, or who find evening outings difficult;
- to seek grants, donations, ticket sales, in-kind support and voluntary assistance for the concerts;
- to work towards becoming financially self-sustaining;
- to work towards establishing an Organ Scholarship through a tertiary institution to train young organists;
- to conduct on-going reviews of all concerts and activities to assess the extent to which aims and objectives have been met.
Management Committee
Frank De Rosso, President and
Artistic Director
Corinne Robin, Vice President
Jeannette Johnson, Manager
Bernice Johnson, Treasurer
Jane Bashiruddin, Public Officer
Liz Atkinson, Committee Member
Eleanor Bowman, Committee Member
Nola O'Connell, Committee Member
Keith Robertson, Committee Member
Susan Stewart, Committee Member
Angela West, Committee Member
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE – PUBLIC FUND
Fr. Kevin Dillon
Mr. Frank Costa, OAM
Mrs. Wendy Galloway, AM
Mr. Christopher Kelly
Mr. Kevin Roache
PATRON
Mr. Frank Costa, OAM