Sir James MacMillan guest stars at St Mary's Parish Festival

Described as a wonderful Marian Mass, the Academy of Sacred Music conducted by Sir James performed his ‘Ave Maris Stella’ and ‘Be Who God Meant You To Be’ as well as Byrd's Mass for Five Voices.

A church spokesperson said: "A heartfelt thanks to the Academy of Sacred Music, conducted by Sir James MacMillan, who led our parish community in beautiful liturgical music for the first Sunday Mass of our Parish Festival in honour of St. Mary, Star of the Sea.

“'My soul soared to God', said one parishioner."

Sir James MacMillan, who is artistic director for The Cumnock Tryst music festival, was fresh from returning from London after the Tryst received the top gong at the Sky Arts Awards. 

The award for tryst was for the 2023 festival which brought together local community groups on stage alongside some of the world’s most acclaimed musicians.

MacMillan is best known as one of today’s most successful living composers and is also internationally active as a conductor. His musical language is flooded with influences from his Scottish heritage, Catholic faith, social conscience and close connection with Celtic folk music, blended with influences from Far Eastern, Scandinavian and Eastern European music.

MacMillan was awarded a CBE in January 2004 and a Knighthood in June 2015, and lives in Largs.

A heartfelt thanks was given to the Academy of Sacred Music, conducted by Sir James MacMillan (Image: St Mary's Star of the Sea)

The Parish Festival started on September 16 and continues until September 29, and is calling on all parishioners of St Mary, Star of the Sea, in Largs to celebrate.

The festival schedule is as follows: 

Monday, September 23 - 10am Mass: Memorial of Saint Padre Pio 6-7.30pm: Exposition with confessions. Two priests.

Tuesday, September 24 - 7.30am: Early Bird Mass for all marriages and families in the parish +Renewal of marriage vows followed by breakfast in the Hall.

Wednesday, September 25 - 10am: Mass for Renewed Sense of Parish Missionary Outreach  6.30pm: Talk from Bishop in Church 7.30pm: Wine tasting with quiz in the Hall.

Thursday, September 26 - 10am: Mass for Those Who Live Alone and for the Lonely 7pm: Concert (various performers) in the church, followed by Teas in the Hall.

Friday, September 27 - 10am: Mass for Vocations 2.30-3.30 pm: Divine Mercy Chaplet 7pm: Whisky tasting in the hall 8pm: Gin tasting in the hall.

Saturday, September 28 - 12-4pm Garden Fete 6pm: Vigil Mass, of The Solemnity of St. Mary, Star of the Sea.

Sunday, September 29 - 10am: Solemn Mass of St. Mary Star, of the Sea. Entrance procession with Statue of Our Lady. Crowning of Statue. Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank Dougan with concelebrating priests. Tea and festival cake in the Church Hall.