MYALL COAST music man Michael Harvey is going to Rome to witness a hymn he composed being sung by a full choir at The Vatican.
Michael’s career spanned decades, winning awards as a composer and producer, and collaborating with the likes of Peter Allen, Julie Anthony, Hugh Jackman, Rob Guest (Phantom of the Opera), Barry Crocker, and Kamahl, as a pianist, conductor and musical director.
His musical spectrum has encompassed classical, pop and rock, musical theatre and cabaret, and, more recently, composition of hymns for Catholic Church services in Tea Gardens and beyond.
His hymn, ‘Here at the Table’, was composed in collaboration with Gina Ogilvie, who wrote the lyrics to his original music, which Michael then recorded in the studio.
“I was in a rock band in younger days, musical theatre, cabarets, and still teach piano now in retirement, but something I have always wanted to do was write hymns and music for spiritual occasions,” Michael told NOTA.
“The first time ‘Here at the Table’ was heard sung by a live choir was right here in Tea Gardens, and now it will be sung by the 35-voice Santa Sabina College Choir in The Vatican.”
The hymn will be sung at Santa Sabina Basilica on Rome’s ancient Aventine Hill, then at Communion inside the great St Peter’s Basilica itself on 29 September.
“My publisher, Willow Publishing, assures me this is a very rare occurrence, but what’s coming is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Michael said.
While Michael was out of town earlier this year, members of the Tea Gardens Catholic Church ‘passed around the plate’ to send Michael and his wife Jill over to Rome to witness this amazing event first-hand.
“I was not sure if I would ever get to the Vatican again, but our parishioners did this out of the generosity of their hearts, and now I’m quite embarrassed, and humbled.
“I broke down when they told me.
“I would love to meet the new Pope Leo, he is an inspiring man, much like his predecessor.”
Michael has been heavily involved with St Stephens in Tea Gardens for a long time, preparing the music and groups each weekend, saying, “You do it and love it all, and the return is people being involved.
“The most important part is that we offer ourselves to God, with our hopes, dreams, fears, worries, troubles, and also with joy and gratitude.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
