ENSEMBLES 2024

Hale St Mary’s Cantate

Hale St Mary’s Cantate Nestled near Perth's pristine coastline, Hale St Mary’s Cantate is a premier co-educational choir that brings together vocally talented students from Hale School and St Mary's Anglican Girls' School. Founded in 2002, Cantate specializes in SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choral pieces, catering to singers aged 13 to 17. The ensemble takes pride in its diverse repertoire, ranging from traditional liturgical works to contemporary pieces. Cantate maintains an active performance schedule, gracing the halls of St George’s Cathedral for seasonal services and presenting concerts that resonate with the community. The choir’s international presence was solidified through tours in the UK, including performances in historic cathedrals and a notable appearance at Westminster Abbey. Their 2014 tour in Europe culminated at the prestigious Summa Cum Laude Youth Music Festival, showcasing their global musical ambassadorship.

Philip Venables

Conductor

Philip Venables has been a secondary school music teacher since 1988.  He has worked in schools throughout Western Australia and has been a permanent member of the Hale School Music Department since 1993.  He is a classroom music and lower brass specialist.  Alongside his teaching he has also been professionally engaged as a tuba player.

Throughout his career Philip has assumed various roles at Hale School, and they have combined to further his dual passions of pastoral care and music.  He is a very experienced Head of House and, in this position, he is directly responsible for the pastoral care of sixty Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students.  Philip is also currently employed as the Acting Director of Music, which sees him revisiting a role in the School that he held from 1997 – 2001.  During this time, he was an integral member for the design committee for the John Inverarity Music and Drama Centre, the centerpiece of which in the 353 seat Auditorium, an acoustically sensitive venue that is highly effective for all manner of live performance.

As a conductor, Philip has had great success with choirs, orchestras and bands.  He has been conducting, both professionally, and voluntarily in the community, since 1983.

Celebration Program

Additional Concerts Program