Christopher Willcock

Christopher Willcock is an Australian Jesuit priest and one of the most prolific composers of Catholic liturgical music. Born in 1947 in Sydney, he studied piano and composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, graduating in 1974, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1977. He furthered his theological studies in liturgy and sacramental theology in Paris. Willcock's music is widely admired and performed, with notable works including a collaboration with cartoonist Michael Leunig called *Southern Star*, a cycle of Christmas carols that earned him the 2006 Classical Music Award for Choral or Vocal Work of the Year. His compositions have been performed by prestigious groups such as the Tallis Scholars and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

Willcock’s influence extends internationally; he was named a Fellow of The Royal School of Church Music in the UK for his long-standing contributions to church music. His works, known for their beautiful and thoughtful blend of traditional and contemporary liturgical styles, are sung across Australia, the US, and the UK. Beyond composing, he has held academic roles including the St Thomas More Chair of Jesuit Studies and has been a composer-in-residence for the Melbourne Chorale, who have premiered several of his major pieces. His music education started in school despite coming from a non-musical family, illustrating his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated figure in sacred music.