Music director Daniel’s prestigious new Australian role

Director of Music for the Diocese of East Anglia, Daniel Justin, has been appointed as Director of Music at the prestigious St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, the “mother church” of Catholicism in Australia.

The Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral, Fr Don Richardson, said: “Daniel brings a wealth of experience and a remarkable musical talent that will further enrich the music programme at St Mary’s Cathedral. With an extensive background in choral conducting, organ performance, and music education, he is a highly accomplished musician who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the field of sacred music. His passion for liturgical music and commitment to artistic excellence makes him an ideal fit for the role of Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral.”

As the Director of Music, Daniel will oversee all musical aspects of the cathedral, including the renowned choir, organ performances, and the coordination of special musical events and liturgies and the role is effective from early October.

Speaking about the appointment, Daniel said: “I was thrilled to receive the news that I will be moving to be Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, but tinged with a little sadness to be leaving the Diocese of East Anglia. I have had eight very happy years working in the diocese and Cathedral, and Norwich has been a real home for me, in the people I’ve worked with and friends I’ve made.” 

Daniel was appointed as Director of Music for the Diocese of East Anglia in 2015, to further the desire of Bishop Alan Hopes that the Cathedral should be a centre of excellence for sacred music and liturgy. He founded the Cathedral choristers in 2015, a group of 20 children from local primary and secondary Schools, who now sing at the Solemn Mass every Sunday in the Cathedral. The Cathedral also has a Schola made up of local professional singers, who specialise in the performance of Renaissance music and Gregorian chant. 

Bishop Peter Collins said: “I wish to express my congratulations to Daniel upon his appointment as Director of Music at St Mary’s Cathedral. He certainly deserves to occupy his new post at one of the most prestigious Catholic Cathedrals in the world. Before arriving in Norwich in 2015, Daniel played a significant role in developing the music ministry within the Diocese of Leeds. Since becoming Director of Music within the Diocese of East Anglia, Daniel has established a platform of musical excellence at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Daniel formed and supported the development of the Cathedral Choristers and Schola, ensuring that the highest standards of performance were achieved. He has also fostered the development of musical engagement across the network of our diocesan schools.

“The artistic excellence of Daniel’s musicianship has been manifest in his compositions and arrangements, in his performance as a most talented organist and in his exceptional ability to lead and motivate others in their fruitful participation in the Sacred Liturgy. Beyond his musicianship, Daniel has offered an example of deep faith and committed service that has brought many blessings to the cathedral in particular and to the diocese in general.

“When Daniel informed me that he had applied for the position in Sydney, I was confident that he would be successful. Whilst I am delighted to see Daniel progress to such a high profile posting, I am so sad to lose his dynamism from our own diocesan environment. Nonetheless, I am confident that the musical foundations which are now firmly established here in East Anglia will continue to progress and flourish in the years ahead. As we explore the options for appointing Daniel’s successor, I will ensure that the principles of musical excellence will guide our deliberations and decisions.”

St John’s Cathedral Dean Fr Alan Hodgson, said: “It’s been great working with Daniel over the last year, and we will certainly miss his liturgical talents and musical gifts here at the Cathedral. As well as music, Daniel has engaged with many areas of the Cathedral life, and built close friendships with staff and parishioners. We will miss him.”

St Mary’s Cathedral stands on the site of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia and is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney. As well as hosting important liturgies of diocesan and national significance, the cathedral is a busy city church, drawing hundreds of visitors each day for prayer. St Mary’s Cathedral Choir is acknowledged as the oldest musical ensemble in Australia still in operation.

Pictured above is Daniel Justin and the choir at St John’s Cathedral in Norwich.

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