Stunning display at St Mary’s Cathedral for Lights of Christmas opening
14 December 2012
Crowds gathered for Sydney’s popular Lights of Christmas opening tonight, 13 December, with a theme of Unity delivered in the opening address by Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney, the Most Rev Julian Porteous, and reflected in the massive projection display featuring wreaths of flowers from around the globe.
AGB Events' Creative Director Anthony Bastic said the theme included the well wishes of Sydney at Christmas to all the world. The crowds heard majestic Christmas songs from tenor Jake Ryan and feature singer Anita Finneran before the light show began at 8.30pm.
Delighting audiences nightly from 8:30pm, 13-25 December, the free all weather event is expected to attract tens of thousands of viewers to come together in the city and celebrate Christmas right up to Christmas night.
Presented by the Archdiocese of Sydney and Australian Catholic University, the remarkable projections and immersive soundscape of Lights of Christmas have quickly become a highlight in the Christmas events calendar.
His Eminence Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney says, “It is a time when we can not only be amazed at the creative skills of the designers but also reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. The theme this year is Unity and I welcome all to St Mary’s Cathedral to see the Lights of Christmas and reach out to each other in peace and harmony.”
Produced by AGB Events, with light projections powered by TDC, the stunning illuminations are projected over the 75 metre high and 33 metre wide façade of the majestic sandstone Cathedral.
“The show tells a story of unity, where all of Australia’s cultures and backgrounds come together and wish the world peace and harmony. Audiences are taken on a journey from dusk falling over the Australian desert and descending to the evening star then to a beautiful Christmas tree moving through the universe,” said Mr Bastic.
“A sparkling Christmas wreath with flora from around the world, including the colourful lotus of many Asian cultures, the shamrocks of Ireland and the Tudor Rose of England amongst others, represent modern Australia’s diversity. This year audiences are also encouraged to snap a photograph of the projections and share it with loved ones afar,” said Mr Bastic.
In celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the artworks that adorn the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo, the iconic image of life and a series of images of Madonna and Child will also feature in the story.