Leading International Composer Writes Music for Notre Dame's Anthem

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Winter 13-6-2006

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Fremantle

Publication Place

Fremantle

Abstract

Staff and guests gathered at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle Campus to hear for the first time the University’s new anthem that has been written by Fr Christopher Willcock sj. Fr Willcock, who enjoys a reputation as one of the world’s leading Catholic composers of liturgical and choral music, has been in Western Australia for this semester as the St Thomas More Chair of Jesuit Studies.

The anthem was enthusiastically received by the Vice Chancellor, Dr Peter Tannock, who was effusive in his praise, as was Archbishop Hickey who was present for the event. Fr Willcock collaborated with Dr Simon Adams to write the text with further input from other staff members towards completion. The opening line of the anthem, “Embrace hope, banish fear” offers a positive approach to life that Fr Willcock hopes will be the attitude of the students who will sing it. Dr Tannock is looking forward to the anthem being presented to the whole University community and then used as a prominent feature of graduation and other ceremonies. The second verse reiterates the command from Micah 6:8; “to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.”

A chorale of singers from the staff and student body, as well as members from Bateman and Manning parishes, were there to present the anthem for its first public performance under the direction of Fr Willcock.

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS