Sacred Heart Cathedral welcomes Cantors, Anne Begg and Brendan Egan, who will join Joanne Bonazza and Sarah Gould in the Ministry of Cantor. Dr Paul Taylor, Director of Music, says the additional Cantors will bring fresh perspectives, enriching Cathedral musicians and the parish community.

Pope Francis has consistently emphasised the profound role of music in enhancing the Liturgy, viewing it as a bridge connecting the faithful to the divine and fostering communal unity. He regards sacred music as a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, drawing people closer to God.

In his Apostolic Letter Desiderio Desideravi (June 2022), Pope Francis wrote about the importance of carefully tending to every aspect of the liturgical celebration, including music, as part of the "art of celebrating" and to ensure the assembly receives what is owed to it: the paschal mystery celebrated according to the ritual.
With this in mind, Director of Music at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Dr Paul Taylor, has been working to expand the Cathedral’s musical ministry resources and is delighted to now have a pool of four Cantors.

“Joanne Bonazza and Sarah Gould have provided wonderfully committed service in Cantor Ministry over the past 40 years and 25 years respectively, and have exercised admirable skill and dedication,” said Dr Taylor. “Recent additions, Anne Begg and Brendan Egan, bring considerable experience in music – Anne as a guitarist and Choir Director, and Brendan as a Cantor and chorister. I think all of our Cantors will enjoy learning from each other, and I certainly look forward to working with an extended pool of resources,” said Dr Taylor.

The history of the Cantor is a fascinating journey that begins in Jewish worship, where skilled singers known as “chazzanim” would chant Torah Readings and guide the congregation in worship, ensuring everyone could join in the prayer.

When Christianity emerged, the role evolved, finding its place in early Christian liturgies. By the time Gregorian chant came into the picture, cantors were leading choirs and chanting sacred texts. Over centuries, the role of the Cantor has shifted, but one thing hasn’t changed: Cantors still guide and help us all to sing together, creating a harmonious and prayerful atmosphere in worship.

To read more about Sacred Heart Cathedral's Music Ministry, including more information on its Cantors, please head to Sacred Heart Cathedral's website.