Surplice To Requirements

Autobiography and Recollections
of a life in music by David Russell

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This book, Surplice to Requirements, started life as a series of reminiscences by David Russell. With the intention of leaving a record of what was achieved from 1976 through to 2008. These are the "Glory Years" (as it is titled in the book) of St Mary's Cathedral Choir, under the musical direction of David Russell. It grew to encompass David's youth and later covers more recent events into which he was drawn.

From the story of "Early Days" in 1940's Australia, through to maturity and excellence in musical education. He has led many overseas choir performance tours and has received international recognition as an excellent conductor of choral music. In 1993, David was created Papal Knight of the order of Saint Sylvester.

Surplice to Requirements covers the Australian adventures of a catholic childhood in the 1940s and 50s, including Scouts and the early days of St Mary's Cathedral Choir. Then, after a successful tertiary education, the ubiquitous trip to Britain by Sea and the discoveries of Europe. He returned to Australia in 1967 when Fr Ron Harden still ran St Mary's Cathedral Choir.

The core, "Glory Years", covers the raising of musical standards at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral under David's stewardship as Musical Director, culminating in the Sydney Papal Mass of 2008.

Despite these many great achievements, borne of a life dedicated to the preservation of the rich musical inheritance of the Roman Church, the final chapters are dedicated to a cast of characters beyond description. Many of whom can't be named, but their transcripts are quoted.

When it was alleged, by the DPP, that Mr Russell had witnessed a deplorable event, the Cathedral Administration was quick to sack him. Having proven his innocence by fact, and cleared his name through evidence; the task of re-employment remained.

Leading to Action in the Industrial Commission (NSW) where the Deputy President read a short summation of his findings, which included the wonderful words;
"I find the termination of his employment harsh, unreasonable and unjust".

It's all here, up to and including the Court of Appeals. No wonder this last part is titled "Outrage".

A summary by Daniel Saw