Immaculate Conception Church in Hawthorn is one of the great gothic revival churches in Melbourne, a sprawling and complex building with a very fine tower. Sadly, the sanctuary was mauled to pieces by some high-minded parson in the middle of the last century, thus ruining what was one of the most outstanding ecclesiastical interiors in the country. What a pity so few parishes follow the rule of waiting a generation or two before doing drastic renovations...
The organ was built, rebuilt, overhauled and worked on by Fincham at various dates. Interestingly, it incorporates ranks from the organ Finchams built for the Royal Exhibition Buildings in 1880. The instrument is badly compromised by the wall-to-wall carpet in the nave, which serves to highlight the variable standard of regulation and tonal finishing undertaken at various stages of the instrument's life.
There will be a lot of music at this service, so here are some highlights:
Mass setting: Mass in G (D 167) -- Franz Schubert
Anthems:
Balulalow -- Peter Warlock
Hodie Christus natus est -- Louis-Nicolas Clerambault
Carols from 8.45pm, Mass at 9.00pm, Friday 24 December 2010
Corner Glenferrie and Burwood Roads, Hawthorn
Be early to be sure of getting a seat!
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