The fully restored and updated Chapter House – the beautiful gothic building adjacent to St Andrew’s Cathedral – was officially opened by the Most Reverend Dr Glenn Davies, Archbishop of Sydney, on Thursday, 11 March 2021.
The project was jointly managed by St Andrew’s Cathedral School and the Cathedral and members of both communities came together to celebrate this major achievement. Members of the Council, Chapter, Diocese, School Council, School Foundation, major school donors, the P&F and Old Andreans Association executive celebrated this significant restoration project. The upper level of Chapter House is now the largest gathering space in the school and will be used for chapels, assemblies and most music, drama, musical and dance performances. It will have a daily positive impact on the lives of students, staff and families of the school.
Senior students and Cathedral staff toured the invited guests around the beautiful new glass atrium and different levels of the building, followed by the formal opening and unveiling of the plaque. Guests were entertained by international concert pianist, Simon Tedeschi (OA1998), who returned to his school to play two wonderful Gershwin compositions, Summertime and I’ve Got Rhythm on the school’s new grand piano. Making the most of this stunning new performance space, the school’s Jazz Orchestra, featuring Year 11 student Kate Cottier singing Somewhere from West Side Story, performed from the gallery above; and a student string quartet performed in the stunning new glass atrium. The Cathedral Choir, who have been part of all significant school events since it opened 136 years ago, sang How can I keep from singing?
The new Chapter House will host its first major production in the last week of March, with the school’s secondary drama students performing Mr Burns.
The school would like to thank all who contributed to the restoration and renovation of Chapter House. Please read this word of thanks, which features stunning photos of the new building.
