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Friday, 28 August Insights Winter 2026

Faith · Culture · Life

Reviews · Books

St Cecilia’s Orchestra

St Cecilia’s Orchestra is a poem that tells the story of the patron saint leaving her “celestial podium” to make an orchestra. The saint travels all over the world, listening to a wide variety of musical styles and instruments, many of which I had never heard of.

Michael O’Neill McGrath and Alan J Hommerding, World Library Productions

St Cecilia’s Orchestra is a poem that tells the story of the patron saint leaving her “celestial podium” to make an orchestra. The saint travels all over the world, listening to a wide variety of musical styles and instruments, many of which I had never heard of. Take this verse, for example:

“Strum and pluck the joyful kora,
Drum the djembe mightily!
From Algeria to Zimbabwe
Come from every tribe and land.”

The illustrations in St Cecelia’s Orchestra are just brilliant; filled with wonderful bright colours. The book is written and illustrated in a way that will make it appeal to both adults and children.

Katy Gerner

Comments (1)

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  • Paul R

    Katy, thank you for your thoughtful review and the wonderful example. Most helpful

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