About

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 James Clarke, Parish Priest of St Mary’s Geelong and Fr Kevin Dillon (our former Parish Priest) have both 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 an 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 an 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 OAM, Artistic Director

Frank De Rosso, President

Amanda Fraser, Vice President

Jeannette Johnson, Treasurer

Jane Bashiruddin, Secretary

Nancy Jagger, Committee Member

Judith Trimble, Committee Member

Management Committee – Public Fund

Fr. James Clarke
Fr. Kevin Dillon, AM
Mrs. Wendy Galloway, OAM
Mr. Christopher Kelly
Mr. Frank De Rosso, OAM
Mrs. Jeannette Johnston
Ms. Jane Bashiruddin