Academy of Sacred Music: Masterclass with Joseph Cullen

News Item: In a significant milestone in the development of the Academy of Sacred Music, world-class choral maestro, Joseph Cullen, marked the official launch of The Academy's Masterclass Series with a 2 hour Masterclass in Adelaide's, Bath St, on 8th June 2013. 

Mr. Cullen came to Glasgow to coach the Choir of the Academy in advance of their performance of Vivaldi's Gloria and Britten's A Hymn to the Virgin, in November 2013.  Three members of the Choir were also given the privilege of individual coaching, described by one parent as a "...unique situation for youngsters such as (our daughter).  She could go through the rest of her music career without this type of tuition, so it was a fantastic experience and one which she is very aware of and grateful for. 

The Masterclass was also attended by several aspiring members of the Academy Choir, who have all since indicated their intention to join. 

Academy Director, Joan Dillon, described Joseph Cullen's contribution as "outstanding, and of considerable value to the development of The Academy, and to its future performances - for our young members to have received coaching and direction at such an incredibly high level is almost a unique situation." 

On closing the Masterclass, Mr. Cullen described the Academy of Sacred Music as "a most significant development in the area of sacred music, and in music in general", comments which reflect back to the launch of the Academy, during which composer James MacMillan emphasized the need for sacred music in our culture, to restore a sense of beauty.
Joseph Cullen, a conductor and tutor of the highest standing, has done the Academy, and its young members, a great service in this mission.