The first Bishop of Adelaide, Bishop Francis Murphy, was a musician. He arrived in 1844 with a seraphine (a precursor of the harmonium), then paid the fare of an organist from Sydney, Edmund Webbe, to play it. From its beginnings in 1845 at the original St Patrick's Church at West Terrace until the present day, the Choir has provided a praiseworthy program of sacred music to glorify God.

The Choir's repertoire embraces masses and motets from all periods from plainchant to the present day, represented by the composers Josquin, Palestrina, Victoria, Byrd, Monteverdi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Flor Peeters, Poulenc, Duruflé, Vaughan Williams, Messiaen, Langlais, Howells, John Tavener, and by many others.

The Choir sings regularly at the 11am Sunday Solemn Mass at St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, and at many other services during the year.

In recent years, the Choir has toured to many parts of Australia, and has enjoyed a triumphant tour to Europe, singing in cathedrals in London, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Salzburg, and in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome. In July 2003, the Choir made a highly successful tour to New Zealand, giving concerts, and singing services in cathedrals in Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Christchurch.

The Choir is an incorporated body that is financially independent of the Diocese. It is constitutionally tied to St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral under the patronage of the Archbishop.

Booking the Choir for Special Occasions:
The Choir performs at a number of concerts and external engagements and can be booked for special celebrations such as weddings and baptisms. Small groups of singers can be provided for such functions if required. Contact Ashleigh Tobin on 8431 5459 or email datobin@ozemail.com.au.

Donations and bequests:
These are particularly welcome to assist in the maintenance of the music library and wardrobe, and for special projects, such as the employment of musicians for orchestral masses, or for the commissioning of musical compositions for liturgical use.

Joining the Choir:
We always welcome new singers in all voice parts. Because of the Choir's regular commitment and extensive repertoire, prior choral experience and/or musical training, together with some sight reading ability is always helpful. To discuss membership, contact the Director of Music, Jillian McGregor, at the Parish Office on 8232 8688 or email music.sfxc@internode.on.net.

Choir Postal Address:
PO Box 3258
Norwood, South Australia, 5067