RSCMNZ Canterbury Branch Affiliate Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (CBS) Choir and Orchestra under the direction of Don Whelan MNZM ARSCM presented on 10 March 2019 at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral a concert to raise funds for recent refugee arrivals and the Red Cross supporting them.

The programme’s unique items included a “Song for Refugees” specially composed by one of the orchestra’s viola players, Ian Bolton, and played by fellow violist Anatoly Zelinsky. Mozart’s Symphony no. 25 in g minor showed the prowess of the orchestra led by Natalia Lomeiko. Bach’s “Refugee” Cantata 39 with Soprano Sarah-Jane Rennie, alto Louisa Pilkington and Ken Joblin, bass completed a most inspiring event.