A series of lunchtime concerts was launched in April 2013 to encourage city workers and others to come into and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral during the day.
These half hour recitals on Wednesdays at 1pm provide fine music and space for contemplation in the midst of a busy week. Admission is by donation.
Upcoming Lunchtime Concerts
Our lunchtime concert series takes place at 1pm Wednesdays (unless indicated otherwise).
1pm Wednesday 14 January: Alexander Cui (piano)
A student of Dr David Soo, Alexander has recently made his recital debut at the Stretto International Music Festival. In this debut recital at St Paul’s Cathedral, Alexander will perform J.S. Bach’s French Suite No. 6 in E major and a collection of works by Frédéric Chopin, before closing with two exciting works from Eastern Europe – Grazyna Bacewicz’s Toccata from Sonata No. 2, and Isaac Berkovich’s Paganini variations.
1pm Wednesday 4 February: Devotion – Mia Sorella Trio and Dr David Kram (piano)
Featuring sopranos Michelle Francis Cook, Helen Ling, and Dannielle O’Keefe, Mia Sorella Trio blends expressive storytelling with virtuosic three‑part harmony in a program featuring the grandeur of opera, the charm of musical theatre, and the uplifting resonance of sacred and inspirational songs. Accompanied by esteemed conductor Dr David Kram AM, they present well-known music from Mozart, Puccini, Delibes, Bernstein, and much more.
1pm Wednesday 11 February: Charlie Wu (piano)
13-year-old Charlie Wu is one of Australia’s finest young piano talents, having performed with professional orchestras in Moscow and Geneva, winning 1st Prize in the 2025 Concours International Genève Musicale, as well as the Boroondara Open Age Piano Concerto Competition, performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Melbourne Camerata. Charlie will present a program of virtuoso works by Granados, Prokofiev, and Liszt, which he will perform in the USA in March.
1.15pm Wednesday 18 February: Ash Wednesday Lunchtime Concert – Sarvenaz Monfaredi (soprano) and Stephen Kerr (organ)
Rooted in the spirit of Ash Wednesday, this program moves from reflection, sorrow, and the Passion of Christ to the hope that follows the Crucifixion. Works by J.S. Bach and Handel trace themes of repentance and sacrifice, while contemporary settings deepen the sense of inner contemplation. The final songs turn toward promise and light—calling the faithful to follow Christ, proclaim peace, and discover joy in abiding within the Lord’s love.
* Please note the later start time, due to the Ash Wednesday Eucharist.
1pm Wednesday 25 February: Duo Calore (violin and piano)
Violinist Rollin Zhao and pianist Chai Jie Low (Duo Calore) have performed in the UK, Europe, USA, and throughout Australia. The duo will present a program featuring ‘The Infinite Heartbeat’ by Australian composer Stuart Greenbaum, inspired by the silence of outer space, and Schumann’s turbulent first violin sonata.
The 2026 Lunchtime Concert Series is fully booked. The 2027 series will be organised in October 2026.
Previous ‘Virtual’ Lunchtime Concerts
During the COVID-19 Lockdown in 2020, the Cathedral broadcasted regular Virtual Lunchtime Concerts in support of local and international artists and musicians. You can watch a selection of the previous Virtual Lunchtime Concerts here on Youtube.