2026 Carols in the Cathedral
Location
St Paul's Cathedral
About
THE ROYAL MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC
PRESENTS
Carols in the Cathedral
RMP presents its ever-popular “Carols in the Cathedral” - Melbourne’s premier concerts of traditional Christmas music, carols, and readings, in the stunning setting of St Paul’s Cathedral. A magnificent feast of spectacular fanfares and carols, and glorious Christmas music and verse, performed by massed choirs, superb soloists, chamber orchestra and majestic brass and percussion.
This year’s concerts will again feature a magnificent selection of music of festive music by composers from around the world, including ever-popular classics such as “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Once in Royal David’s City”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, and many more, as well as beautiful works by composers including Elaine Hagenberg, Kim Andre Arnesen, Lloyd Larson, Dan Forrest, William G. James and more! Featuring the angelic voices of The National Boys Choir of Australia, and two special guest soloists, the outstanding soprano Rachael Joyce (winner of the 2026 RMP Aria), and internationally acclaimed Australian/ New Zealand tenor Boyd Owen. A Christmas event not to be missed. Celebrate the season in style and book your tickets now.
Andrew Wailes, conductor
Rachael Joyce soprano Boyd Owen, tenor
Stefan Cassomenos, William Schmidt piano
Andrew Bainbridge organ
Roland Rocchiccioli reader
Julie Houghton reader
The National Boys Choir of Australia
Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir
Melbourne University Choral Society
Box Hill Chorale
RMP Orchestra soloists
RMP Brass and Percussion Consort
City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band
FRIDAY EVENING, 18 DECEMBER 2026, 8.30PM
SATURDAY MATINEE, 19 DECEMBER 2026, 2.00PM
SATURDAY EVENING, 19 DECEMBER 2026, 7.00PM
NB: Doors open 30mins prior to advertised start of concerts.
AT ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
BOOK NOW AS THESE CONCERTS ALL USUALLY SELL OUT EARLY!
VENUE:
St Paul's Cathedral
Cnr Flinders & Swanston Streets
Melbourne, Vic 3000
Cnr Flinders & Swanston Streets
Melbourne, Vic 3000
Please note Trybooking tickets for this event are GENERAL ADMISSION, there is no allocated seating.
Premium Reserve tickets can however be reserved via Trybooking in the best viewing areas of the Cathedral. These seats are also unallocated but guarantee you a spot in the main part of the Cathedral seating.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: There is ramp access to St Paul's Cathedral and there are specially reserved areas for wheelchairs. Please make your requirements known during the booking process and we will make sure to allocate seats accordingly.
COMPANION / CARER CARD HOLDERS: Please arrive a bit early with the person you are accompanying, present yourself to an usher and upon showing your companion/carer's card you will be provided a seat for no charge.
SENIORS CARDS QUALIFY FOR CONCESSION: Please ensure you have your card upon entry.
CHILDREN: This concert is recommended for 8+. While the program will be Christmas-themed and family-friendly, it is also a professional concert, and some younger children may find it challenging to sit through the performance which is videoed and recorded. For this reason, we generally recommend the concert for older children. However, should you still wish to attend as a family, please note that all children over the age of 2 will need their own seat and specially priced Student tickets are available if sitting in the General Admission area.
Contact Details:
For general enquiries please email secretary@rmp.org.au
For media enquiries please email musicdirector@rmp.org.au or contact 0433661971
