St Mary’s University, London, continued to mark its 175th anniversary in November with St Cecila’s Weekend, celebrating the patron saint of music through a rich programme of concert and liturgical events in support of the University’s long-running charity, Strawberry Hill Overseas and Community Concern (SHOCC).
Held over three days, the weekend brought together professional musicians, students, alumni, and friends of St Mary’s for a series of performances that showcased both musical excellence and the University’s deep commitment to global outreach. The event raised close to £5,000 for SHOCC’s current project supporting Kisaki Girls’ School in Tanzania, with further donations welcomed throughout the festive season.
The Gala Fundraising Concert took place on Friday in the Waldegrave Drawing Room featuring Schumann, Wagner, Finzi, Sibelius and Vivaldi, with outstanding performances from John Holland‑Avery, Julia Yoon, Gideon Gray and Michael Bevan.
On Saturday afternoon, Choral Vespers for St Cecilia’s Day was sung by the Southwell Consort in the Chapel, celebrated by Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of Governors, whilst the evening brought an all‑Liszt recital by tenor Dominic Bevan and pianist Rachael Shipard.
Sunday saw celebration of the newly restored Chapel organ and debut of the St Mary’s Choral Scholars 2025. The weekend concluded with a Choral Mass, including the first modern performance of a rediscovered 1840s setting composed by a sister of the Benedictine Convent, Hammersmith, which was warmly received by the congregation and guests.
SHOCC: Transforming educational opportunity
Founded in 2007 but rooted in charitable work begun at St Mary’s in 1971, SHOCC has raised nearly £1 million for more than 40 projects at home and overseas. Its primary mission is the advancement of education, particularly in areas of disadvantage.
Funds from the St Cecilia’s Weekend will support Kisaki Girls’ School in Tanzania, a new 16-classroom secondary school run by the Religious of the Assumption. SHOCC has supported the development of the site since 2016, helping to fund the land purchase, water supply, sanitation facilities, classroom equipment and annual student support. Nearly £150,000 has been contributed to the project to date.
This weekend raised £4,223 with ticket income expected to bring the total around £5,000 – enough to meet the needs of 50 to 90 students due to begin their studies in January 2026.
An invitation to support
As St Mary’s community moves into the festive season, readers are warmly encouraged to support the SHOCC appeal. Even a small contribution will help extend educational opportunity to girls whose futures are being transformed through the Kisaki project.
Year 3 at Kisaki Girls' Secondary School, Singida, Tanzania - JustGiving
St Cecilia’s Weekend stands as a testament not only to St Mary’s vibrant cultural life but also to its commitment to service, justice and global solidarity – values at the heart of the University’s 175-year story.
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