Innovative Music Scheme Launched in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On Thursday, 5th October nearly 200 people of all ages and interests, attended the launch in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, of a new Diocesan Church Music Scheme. The scheme was the brainchild of the Music Department of the Cathedral led by Mr Peter Stobart (Director of Music), supported by Ms Phoebe Chow (Assistant Director of Music), and the Dean of Cork, the Very Reverend Nigel Dunne.

Schoolchildren from St Luke’s School, Cork with the Bishop of Cork, the Dean of Cork, Ms PHoebe Chow and Mr Peter Stobart at the launch of the new Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocesan Church Music Scheme. Photo: Sam Wynn

The three-pronged scheme, working with schools, musicians and organising events, is designed to create opportunities for improving both music and religious education through music, in the Diocese. Launching the scheme, the scheme, the Bishop of Cork, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, quoted Bono who said ‘Music can change the world because it can change people.’

Bishop Colton said:

This new and innovative scheme, put together in an exciting way in this Cathedral at the heart of this small Diocese reaches out in an ambitious and creative way to bring about change: change in schools, in our worship, in our friendships and in the opportunities it creates for so many people to be involved in the life of the Church and the Diocese.

At the heart of the launch were the schoolchildren from St Luke’s School, Mahony’s Avenue, Cork, one of the 8 schools where Peter Stobart has already been working. They sang ‘Laudamus Te’ from Gloria by Vivaldi, accompanied on the organ by Ms Phoebe Chow. Everyone remarked how amazing it was that such a piece had been learnt by heart by the children in just four weeks since the start of school term.

Performing Vivaldi, conducted by Mr Peter Stobart. Photo: Sam Wynn

The proceedings were opened by the Dean of Cork, the Very Reverend Nigel Dunne, who welcomed everyone, and who thanked the Bishop for securing the funding for the scheme through bodies that he chairs: the Diocesan Board of Education, and the City of Cork Church School Board, as well as Ashton School, Cork. There are 21 Church of Ireland primary schools in Cork, Cloyne and Ross, and 3 Church of Ireland second level schools.

At the launch were (l-r) Mr Peter Stobart, Ms Phoebe Chow, the Dean of Cork, and the Bishop of Cork. Photo: Sam Wynn

Ms Phoebe Chow, the recently arrived Assistant Director of Music introduced herself and Mr Peter Stobart, Director of Music, set out in detail what the scheme is all about.

Full information about the scheme is available here: Diocesan Church Music Scheme – Information