Public Lecture by Sir James MacMillan
Musical Catholicity in the 21st Century: A Composer Reflects
Leading composer Sir James MacMillan will reflect on his music in the light of faith, drawing on recent compositions. He will explore his music’s contexts and give some self-assessment. He will also reflect on Jacques Maritain’s emphasis on the spiritual aspect of human nature and contemporary culture, asking whether Christian artistry is moving into a new stage. MacMillan will conduct Melbourne’s Polyphonic Voices in a selection from his Strathclyde Motets and the Australian premiere of his 2025 Salve Regina (commissioned by Australian Catholic University). Following the lecture, Professor Clare Johnson (ACU) will facilitate a conversation with MacMillan and panellists Professor Judith Wolfe (St Andrews/ACU) and Reverend Dr Christopher Willcock SJ (ACU).
Photograph credit: James Bellorini
Sir James MacMillan CBE KT is widely regarded as one of the foremost composers of our time and enjoys an international reputation as both a composer and conductor. Drawing deeply on his Scottish heritage, Catholic faith, social conscience and Celtic musical traditions, his distinctive compositional voice is celebrated for its rhythmic vitality, emotional intensity and spiritual depth. Since the breakthrough success of The Confession of Isobel Gowdie at the BBC Proms in 1990, his music has been performed worldwide, with major works including Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, five symphonies, concertos for Mstislav Rostropovich, Colin Currie and Nicola Benedetti, and the acclaimed Christmas Oratorio. In 2026–27, he serves as Featured Composer with the Hallé Orchestra and is Composer-in-Residence with the Dresden Philharmonic. MacMillan is also a distinguished cultural leader and is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Cumnock Tryst festival. Knighted in 2015, he was awarded the King’s Medal for Music in 2025 and the Order of the Thistle in 2026.
Date: Friday, 27 November 2026
Time: 5.30–7pm (AEDT) followed by light refreshments
Venue: Cathedral Hall, 20-22 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Vic 3065
Parking is available at Wilson Parking, 410 Albert St East Melbourne or 90 Victoria Pde East Melbourne. Limited street parking is available close to the university.
How to register: Registration by 20 November is essential for this public lecture. We warmly welcome guests to attend in person or online (a link will be emailed to registered online attendees prior to the event).
Cost: Cost: $20 per person – funds raised will contribute to an ACU scholarship in liturgical music
For more information Email the ACU Centre for Liturgy at [email protected] or call 03 9230 8539.
Register here
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