Bernard Kirkpatrick

Bio

Bernard Kirkpatrick has always been drawn to music. Born in Tasmania, Australia his musical journey began when he started playing the organ for his local parish—at 9 years old. Bernard says his principle purpose in creating music is “to enable the worshiping community to give glory to God through beautiful music in the Liturgy.”

Before taking up the position of Director of Music at Australia’s newest cathedral church of St. Patrick in Parramatta, Bernard was Director of Music at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Paddington in Sydney, (1995 -2006). He has previously held the post of Organist and Choirmaster at St. Patrick's Church Hill (1984-88) and from 1988 - 1999 was the Assistant Organist at St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney, where he also established the St. Mary's Singers, and directed the Cathedral choir on occasion. In 2008, Bernard was the organist at the Papal Mass and was involved in liturgy planning for World Youth Day, held in Sydney. More recently, he has been producing recordings of classical sacred music by Tomas Luis de Victoria as well as serving as a music consultant to the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

In addition to his work with Good Shepherd Seminary and the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bernard trains the Choir of Champion College and serves as the Director of Music for St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta—Western Sydney’s newest Catholic cathedral (built and dedicated in 2003).

Stating that his work is “full-time sacred music,” Bernard can add composing Mass of Christ the Redeemer for the third edition of the Roman Missal to his ever-growing list of projects.

Bernard is a music graduate of the University of Sydney, and currently resides in Sydney, New South Wales.