St Michael's Uniting Church

Inaugural Exhibition at St Michael's Gallery
2015-07-05 12:00 - 12:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
Our new St Michael’s Gallery opens this Sunday
Featuring 13 artists from the St Michael’s community
All of their artworks express something on the
themes now well-known at St Michael’s
We thank the following exhibiting artists
Wilmore Bajada
Barbara Bateman
June Furness
Dr George Galanis
Ken Gosbell
Robyn Horton
Ronald Leonard Muller
Stephen Ngaa
Eric Anthony Phillips
Rose Rokicki
Josephine Telfer
Ingrid Wilson
Patsy Worledge
We invite you to be present as we open the gallery after the Sunday Service on July 5. And – of course, there will be a celebration to mark this inspiring event.

French Conversation
2015-07-05 11:45 - 12:45, 2015-06-14 11:45 | Wellbeing Studio, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Join native French speaker, Johanna Hersey, for a fun and informal French conversation class where all are welcome to practice their French and receive some pointers in basic French conversation skills.
Beginners and fluent speakers alike will find someone to chat to in French and help and guidance on hand.
Cost: free
Bookings not required

Mobile Minds
2015-07-05 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Expand the usefulness and enjoyment of your phone and tablet in this friendly forum exploring how mobile technology can have a positive impact on our lives.
Bring out your inquisitive nature with these workshops designed to share new and interesting apps and activities, and learn new ideas for both Android and iOS devices. Participants are encouraged to “show and tell” their favorite apps and ideas.
This workshop is complemented by our blog which will contain notes from each meeting, ideas for upcoming meetings and general ideas and comments from any interested mobile device user. You can access the blog by visiting http://www.themobileminds.blogspot.com.au

Sunday Service
2015-07-05 10:00 - 11:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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 though our wellbeing programs and our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy. 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.
Free Entry

Artists: The St. Michael’s Singers
Music between the readings: Locus Iste – Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
Music during the offering: Jesu, joy of man’s desiring BWV 147 – J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
The postlude: A Trumpet Minuet – Alfred Hollins (1865-1942)

Bayside Book Group
2015-06-28 14:30 - 17:00
The next meeting of the Basyside book group will be held on Sunday 28 June from 2.30 at the home of Janette James in Cheltenham.
We have chosen a book written by Mariam Issa called A Resilient Life – one woman’s refugee journey.
Any further details contact Janette 0409139404

Philosophy for Beginners
2015-06-28 11:45 - 12:45, 2015-05-31 11:45 - 12:45 | Kurrajong Room, 120 Collins, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Thinking Outside The Square
A lively, interactive discussion group, presented by Dr Peter Kingsbury, focusing on thinking outside the square. Designed to inspire creative and innovative thinking.
Cost: free
Booking not required

Sunday Service
2015-06-28 10:00 - 11:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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 though our wellbeing programs and our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy. 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.
Free Entry

This weeks address:

Guest Artist: Rebecca Adler (Violin)

Music before the service: Gavotte from the Partita in E major BWV 1006 – J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Music between the readings: Prelude from Quiet Girl Suite for Solo Violin (2013) – Charles MacInnes (b.1966)
This suite is made up of five Baroque-influenced dances and is inspired by Danish author Peter Høeg’s novel of the same name. The Prelude introduces the book’s protagonist – a violin playing clown who is being pursued by the authorities for tax evasion.
Music during the offering: Meditation from Thais – Jules Massenet (1842-1912)
This cornerstone of the violin repertoire, this work comes from Massenet’s 1894 opera, Thais. This meditation is played during a scene in which the character Athanaël, a Cenobite Monk tries to convert Thais (who is a devotee of Venus) to Christianity. Athanaël, realises however that his efforts to convert Thais are motivated purely by selfish lust instead of higher religious calling.
The Postlude: Toccata – Th. Dubois (1837-1924)
This joyous toccata was written by the French organist and composer Théodore Dubois. Dubois was a noted composer, conductor, organist, pianist and music educator. He served as organist at Paris’ Église de Madeleine for many years as well as directing the noted Paris Conservatoire.
Artist Bio: Rebecca Adler is a freelance violinist based in Melbourne. A graduate of the University of Melbourne and former student of Wilma Smith, she is a regular guest performer with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria, as well as frequent visitor to St Michael’s. Rebecca plays a violin made in 2005 by Adrian Studer of Nelson, New Zealand.

SAGE: Healthy Ageing Seminar
2015-06-25 11:00 - 13:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
SAGE is a monthly seminar program that is presented by renowned psychotherapist and author Dr Francis Macnab. Each month we choose a theme and bring you a series of strategies and tools to help you cope with the big stresses in the years post 55, reshaping your meaning of life, dealing with the fears that flit through these years, living well and knowing the books to read, the music to listen to that will inspire wellbeing.

This month Dr Macnab will be exploring the principles of self-soothing.

Cost: $20 (which includes tea, coffee and a light lunch.)

Searchers’ Group Excursions
2015-06-21 12:00 | Various, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
This open and reflective group invites you to explore other religious and cultural institutions of Melbourne.
This month we will be visiting the Jewish Museum, 26 Alma Rd St Kilda, for a 2 pm conducted tour
Please contact Janette 0409139404 / Simon 0458272709 for travel or lunch arrangements.

Sunday Address
2015-06-21 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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 though our wellbeing programs and our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy. 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.
Free Entry.

Relationships: School of Love
2015-06-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Wellbeing Studio, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Due to unforeseen circumstances this events has been cancelled.

Poetry Group
2015-06-14 11:45 - 12:45, 2015-05-10 11:45 - 12:45 | Camellia Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
A group that meets to read poetry, share work and be inspired about all things poetry.
This group aims to cultivate an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to explore the wonders of poetry in a supportive and fun environment.
Facilitated by Dr Peter Kingsbury this program is free of charge and there is no need to book in advance.
Cost: free
Bookings not required

Sunday Address
2015-06-14 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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 though our wellbeing programs and our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy. 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.
Free Entry.

Guest Artist: Lydia Sharrad (Flute)
Music between the readings: Bergère Captive – Pierre-Octave Ferroud (1900-1936)
Pierre-Octave Ferroud commenced his training as a musician by learning piano from his mother. He then took up studies as an organist under the great Parisian organist, Eduard Commette. After moving to Paris in 1923, Ferroud gradually won the attention of many prevalent composers of the day including Prokofiev, Poulenc and Stravinsky. Tragically, Ferroud’s blossoming career was abruptly cut short; on 17th August 1936, whilst walking in Debrecen on holiday in Hungary, he was decapitated in a road accident. Poulenc, devastated on hearing of his death, dedicated many of his later religious works to his friend.
Music during the offering: Jade – Pierre-Octave Ferroud (1900-1936)
The Postlude: Allegro from Sonata VI – C.P.E. Bach (1714-1788)
Carl Philippe Emanuel Bach was the fifth child and second son of the great Johann Sebastian Bach. Many of J.S. Bach’s more than twenty children went on to become extraordinary musicians in their own right. Many of whom achieved greater fame and success in their lifetimes than their father.
Artist Bio: Lydia Sharrad is a freelance flautist who has been based in Melbourne for the last 3 and a half years. She undertook a BMUS with first class honours in Adelaide with Elizabeth Koch and Geoff Collins, before moving to Melbourne to complete a Masters in Performance under the tutelage of Lisa-Maree Amos. She is a casual member of Orchestra Victoria and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and has played for a diverse range of organisations and music groups, including the Australian Youth Orchestra (principal flute 2007-09 and part of the European tour last year), Australian National Academy of Music, Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra, The orchestra Project, Monash Academy of Performing Arts, and the Australian Concert Orchestra to name a few.
She has appeared as soloist with the Cologne New Philharmonic, playing 53 performances of the Mozart G Major flute Concerto throughout Australia and New Zealand, and with the Burnside Symphony Orchestra, playing the Liebermann Concerto.

All Weather Walkers
2015-06-13 10:15 - 14:00
Please join us for a pleasant and easy stroll along the foreshore from St Kilda to Port Melbourne.
We will meet under the clocks at Flinders Street Rail Station at 10.15 AM, then take the Tram to St Kilda where we will have morning coffee. After coffee our walk will allow us to enjoy wide views of the bay as well as the interesting varied architecture and historic buildings. On arrival at Port Melbourne our lunch will be at the Light Rail Terminus Café or a venue close by. Those wishing just to come for lunch can meet us at The Light Rail Station Terminus Café around 12.30 PM.
Contact Nancy Doherty 0468373413 or David Doherty 0402000729

Writing Seminar
2015-06-11 18:30 - 19:30 | St Michael’s on Collins, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia

Sunday Address
2015-06-07 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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 though our wellbeing programs and our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy. 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.
Free Entry.

Guest artist: Megan Reeve (Harp)
Music between the readings: Automne – Macel Grandjany (1891-1975) Marcel Grandjany was born in Paris and was admitted to the Paris Conservatoire aged 11. He became a leading international figure in the area of harp performance and composition and left behind a considerable body of work for the instrument.
Music during the offering: Etude VII, Op. 34 – Nicolas-Charles Bochsa (1789-1856)
Coming from an earlier period than Marcel Grandjany, Nicolas-Charles Bochsa was also a native of France and entered the Paris Conservatoire at the same young age. Sometime after he was appointed harpist to the Imperial Orchestra, he became involved in counterfeiting, fraud and forgery. He then left France for England to avoid prosecution. He became involved in another scandel in 1839, running away with the wife of fellow composer Henry Bishop. Bosch fled England with Anna Bishop, and after a brief period in North America, they arrived in Sydney Australia in 1855 in the hopes of being succesful in the Gold Rush of that period. Sadly, Boscha died shortly after arriving. His compositional output includes a number of Operas and larger works, however it is his Etudes for harp that he is best remembered today.
The Postlude: Gigue – Bernard Andres (b.1941)
Bernard Andres, is a more recent graduate of the Paris Conservatoire and continues to write new and challenging works for the harp. He began his compositional career aged 8, and his works have achieved international recognition and acceptance.
Artist Bio:
Megan has been performing professionally on the harp for over twenty years. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Music Performance degree from the Victorian College of the Arts, and a Master of Arts in Music, Culture and Politics from Cardiff University, Wales.
Megan has also completed a Summer Academy course in Salzburg, Austria. Megan has performed with a diverse range of music ensemble, from the Melbourne Symphony and the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra, through to touring with Jose Carreras, the Bolshoi Ballet and Kanye West for the U2 Vertigo tour. Her television appearances include ‘Good Morning Australia’, ‘It Takes Two’, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘Spicks and Specks’.
She has recorded on the Move and Naxos labels. Megan has performed with Chamber Music Australia for the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts and is a founding member of chamber music group the ‘Miscellany Ensemble’ and duo ‘voxArpa’. Her public speaking skills have seen her in demand as a guest speaker at events around the United Kingdom and Australia, where she has presented a paper at the 5th Australian Harp Festival.

Sunday Address
2015-05-31 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
St Michael’s is a unique church in the heart of the city. Unique for our relevant, contemporary preaching that embraces inner wellbeing as our core message. Sunday services include a mix of traditional and modern presentations. Inspirational music is an integral part of our services and most Sundays include performances from internationally renowned musicians.
St Michael’s is a place which affirms and encourages the best expression of who you are and who you can be, not only through the Sunday service but also through our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy.
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 and to express it more confidently and diversely.
Sunday services commence at 10am.
Free Entry.

Guest Artists: Joe Chindamo (piano) & Zoë Black (violin)

Music between the readings: Les Baricades Misterieuses – François Couperin / Joe Chindamo
This work in its original form dates from 1717 and was written for the harpsichord, a forerunner to the modern piano. It has been re-invented by Joe Chindamo and is heard here in a new form for piano and violin.
Music during the offering: Tarantism – Joe Chindamo
This new work, with a new word for a title which means ‘the urge to cure melancholy by dancing’ is heard here played by the author in duo with Zoë Black on the violin, an artist for whom many of Joe’s works have been written.
The Postlude: Finlandia Op. 26 – Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) arr. Herbert Fricker
Artist Bios: Zoë Black and Joe Chindamo are the new kids on the classical block and are routinely described as edgy and a welcome new and unique voice to Australian Chamber music: their concert performances and two CD releases REIMAGININGS and DIDO’s LAMENT have met with highest acclaim from critics and peers. In the past year, they were highlights at Piers Lane’s AFCM, Anna Goldsworthy’s Port Fairy Festival, ABC FM Sunday Live, Canberra Street Theatre, Melba Hall, Sandgate Festival by the Sea, Peninsula Festival Summer and Spring Festivals and Melbourne Recital Centre. In February 2014, following the release of Dido’s Lament, they were the subject of a 4 page feature in Limelight. Their 4 and 5 star reviews of concerts and CDs have emphasised their commitment to new music, which displays a daring disregard for boundaries.
“When two great artists collaborate, you expect a magnificent result. What you don’t expect, what you can’t even imagine, is the transcendent experience that awaits you when under the spell of Zoe Black and Joe Chindamo.” – James Morrison trumpeter and Director of Queensland Festival.
“… instead of breaking down boundaries, this duo appears not to notice them…This recording is brimming with creativity. It’s a delight to hear…The duo must be lauded for forging a style entirely their own.” – Francis Merson, editor LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE

SAGE - Healthy Ageing Seminar
2015-05-29 11:00 - 13:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
SAGE is a monthly seminar program that is presented by renowned psychotherapist and author Dr Francis Macnab. Each month we choose a theme and bring you a series of strategies and tools to help you cope with the big stresses in the years post 55, reshaping your meaning of life, dealing with the fears that flit through these years, living well and knowing the books to read, the music to listen to that will inspire wellbeing.
This month Dr Macnab will be exploring the topic of anxiety:

Cost: $20 (which includes tea, coffee and a light lunch.)

Thursday Organ Recital
2015-05-28 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-05-21 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-05-14 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Every Thursday at 1 pm, the St Michael’s Carillon is sounded and the grand organ comes to life for a free 30 minute recital. Now into their seventh year, these recitals are well attended by the public.
Performed by organist Rhys Boak, and visiting artists, brings the joy and beauty of live music to many Melbournians and visitors.
Please check your orders of service or our Facebook page each week to see who will be performing the following Thursday.
Music has an important role to play in the functioning of society and has had for many thousands of years. No human culture appears to be without music. Singing, in particular, seems to be universal. Music is invariably expressed in relation to religion. The music program at St Michael’s each week brings us some of the best musicians and music that Australia has to offer to enrich our experience during our Sunday services at special events during the year.

Sunday Address
2015-05-24 10:00 - 11:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
St Michael’s is a unique church in the heart of the city. Unique for our relevant, contemporary preaching that embraces inner wellbeing as our core message. Sunday services include a mix of traditional and modern presentations. Inspirational music is an integral part of our services and most Sundays include performances from internationally renowned musicians.
St Michael’s is a place which affirms and encourages the best expression of who you are and who you can be, not only through the Sunday service but also through our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy.
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 and to express it more confidently and diversely.
Sunday services commence at 10am.
Free Entry.

Guest Artists:
Tomas Dalton (Tenor) and The Orchestra of St Michael.
Music between the readings:
Where’er you walk from Semele (HWV 58) – G.F. Handel (1685-1759)
This well known and much loved aria comes from Handel’s 1743 opera, Semele.
Music during the offering:
Che belta,che leggiadria from La Finta Giardiniera – W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)
Mozart’s opera, La Finta Giardiniera (The Imaginary Garden Girl) was written early in Mozart’s career when he was 18 years of age. It is seldom performed today, however this aria is often performed as a solo work.
The Postlude:
Imperial March Op. 32 – Sir. Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
This incredibly moving march was written in 1897 to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. It was this very piece that made Elgar famous.
Artist Bio:
Tomas began his musical studies on piano, before completing his voice studies at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music with Anna Connolly.
In 2011 he performed as a soloist with the Australian Chamber Choir on their European concert tour and received the Ivy May Pendelbury scholarship.
Tomas took part in the Victorian Opera 2012 youth production of ‘The Play of Daniel’, playing the principal role of the Prince. In 2013 Tomas supported acts in the Melbourne Festival and World Famous Spiegeltent, as well as making his Opera Australia debut in the gentleman’s chorus of Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen”.
Tomas is the 2014 recipient of the Hedy Holt & Roger Prochazka Memorial Award at the National Liederfest and recently made his recital debut, joining acclaimed Soprano Janet Todd in performing for the Robert Stolz Foundation.

Spirituality in Clinical Practice
2015-05-21 18:30 - 20:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia

Bayside Book Group
2015-05-17 14:30 - 16:30
The next meeting of the Bayside Book Group will be held on Sunday 17th May from 2.30pm at Julie Ashby’s home in Malvern East.
We will be discussing ‘Nightingale’ by Fiona McIntosh, which begins in Gallipoli and follows into the years after WW1.
For further details please contact Lyndell on 0408 577 357.

Sunday Address
2015-05-17 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
St Michael’s is a unique church in the heart of the city. Unique for our relevant, contemporary preaching that embraces inner wellbeing as our core message. Sunday services include a mix of traditional and modern presentations. Inspirational music is an integral part of our services and most Sundays include performances from internationally renowned musicians.
Join us on Sunday 17 May for a special service dedicated to
Mingary The Quiet Place.
Don’t forget to wear a white flower for the occasion.
Sunday services commence at 10am.
Free Entry.

Artists: Meagan Reeve (Harp), Peter Sheridan (Flute), The St. Michael’s Brass Ensemble and the St. Michael’s Singers.

Music between the readings:
Ostinato from the Suite Antique – John Rutter (b. 1945)
The ever popular John Rutter wrote this work for flute in 1979 in response to an invitation to write a piece for the Cookham Festival. Originally for Flute, harpsichord and strings, this work is often heard and performed as we hear it today, with a piano accompaniment arranged by the composer.
Music during the offering:
Le Basque – Marin Marais (1656-1728)
Marin Marais remains perhaps the most famous virtuosi to have written for and played the Viola da Gamba (a now largely obsolete instrument except in the field of historically informed early music). He lived and worked in Paris and studied with Jean Baptiste Lully. Little is known of his personal and professional life, however his music has remained cherished.
The Postlude:
Entrada Festiva – Flor Peeters (1903-1986) arr. Rhys Boak
Flor Peeters was a celebrated Dutch organist, composer and teacher. He had a long career as a concert organist, but wrote works in many genres.

Law Week Event
2015-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
What Makes Couples Stick? (or not Stick!?) Family Lawyer Jane Libbis and Psychologist Dr Debra Campbell-Tunks present this special 2015 Law Week seminar.
Dr Campbell-Tunks will explore what you need to create satisfying relationships, what soul-mated couples do right and what some couples so do wrong that they wind up needing a lawyer.
Jane Libbis will give you some great information about what to do if things go wrong and you find yourself in the realm of family law. Focusing on healthy, low stress ways to manage family disputes.
The seminar will run for approximately one hour plus a Q&A session afterwards.
Cost: Pay-What-You-Can
(purchase a ticket to an event for as little as $2 per ticket)

Sunday Address
2015-05-10 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
St Michael’s is a unique church in the heart of the city. Unique for our relevant, contemporary preaching that embraces inner wellbeing as our core message. Sunday services include a mix of traditional and modern presentations. Inspirational music is an integral part of our services and most Sundays include performances from internationally renowned musicians.
St Michael’s is a place which affirms and encourages the best expression of who you are and who you can be, not only through the Sunday service but also through our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy.
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 and to express it more confidently and diversely.
Sunday services commence at 10am.
Free Entry.

Guest artist: Evgeny Chebykin (Horn)
Evgeny was educated in former Soviet republic of Moldova and later at The Purcell School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Whilst at the RAM, Evgeny won the coveted Dennis Brain Prize and had the honour of playing principal horn in Schumann’s Konzertschtuck under late great Sir Charles Mackerras. Evgeny regularly appears as guest principal with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and London Sinfonietta as well as on numerous film soundtracks including the Harry Potter series. Closer to home, he played in Melbourne run of Love Never Dies and currently can be heard from the pit of the State Theatre playing with Orchestra Victoria. Evgeny is pleased to have survived unprecedented four consecutive Ring Cycles by Wagner in the recent Melbourne season.

Music between the readings: Cherubino’s aria from The marriage of Figaro – W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)
Composed in 1786, this much loved opera is still being performed throughout the world. Today, this aria is heard in a version for horn and piano.
Music during the offering: Prelude from Hérodiade – Jules Massenet (1842-1912)
Written some 95 years later than Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro this opera is not nearly so well known. However,largely through the efforts of the Australian conductor, Richard Bonynge, the operas of Massenet have undergone a huge revival in the last 30 years. This aria is also heard in a version for horn and piano.
The Postlude: Cannonade – Claude Balbastre (1734-1799)
Claude Balbastre was one of the most famous musicians of his day. Born in Dijon, Balbastre relocated to Paris in 1750 and befriended the composer Jean Phillipe Rameau who introduced him into Parisian musical circles. Although active also as a harpsichordist and fortepianist, Balbastre is best remembered today as an organist. In 2013, his best known work remains this lively Cannonade – an exuberant work which at certain points imitates cannon fire. The title of this work could well be perceived as a play on the musical term of ‘Canon’.
