St Michael’s is a unique church in the heart of the city. Unique for its relevant, contemporary preaching that embraces and inner wellbeing as its core message.
Sunday services include a mix of traditional and modern presentations interspersed with inspirational music performed by world-class musicians.
St Michael’s affirms and encourages the best expression of humanity, not only through the Sunday service but through our programs and our commitment to counselling. We believe faith, spirituality and a meaning to life are vital ingredients for our health and wellbeing and that there is a need to get hold of a more authentic religious understanding.
Sunday services commence at 10am.
This Sunday Rev. John Smith is leading the Service and Preaching
Guest musician: Sydney Braunfeld (Horn)
Music between the readings: Nocturne (op.7) – Franz Strauss (1822-1905)
This beautiful work by Franz Strauss, the father of Richard Strauss, was published in 1904, a year before his death. This lyrical work now forms a mainstay of the horn repertoire.
Music during the offering: Morceau de concert Op. 94 – Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
Saint-Saëns’ Morceau de concert was written in 1887. Originally scored for Horn and Piano, we hear this work today scored for Horn, and Saint-Saëns’ own instrument, the organ.
The Postlude: Humoresque per l’organo primitivo – Pietro Allesandro Yon (1886-1943)
Before he emigrated to the United States, the Italian born Yon held the position of organist at the Vatican. He eventually settled in New York where he became the organist of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC. In New York he became a famous teacher and recitalist touring the United States several times and teaching many famous pupils, one of whom, perhaps surprisingly, was a young Cole Porter.
Musician Bio: Sydney Braunfeld is currently a full-time member of Orchestra Victoria. She was born in New York, and began playing the horn at the age of eight. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, studying under William Purvis and Jennifer Montone. She went on to attend The Curtis Institute where she was awarded a Performer’s Certificate in 2011. The following year, Sydney moved to Australia, and began freelancing in Melbourne. She performs regularly with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Macau Philharmonic, and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. As a soloist, Sydney has played concerti with the Essendon Symphony Orchestra and the Melbourne Sinfonia
