In the age of digital saturation and lives lived in ‘the cloud’, people are seeking to rediscover their humanity by reconnecting with each other in the physical world. In his book The Good Life, social researcher Hugh Mackay identifies a deep malaise, despite our prosperity. He prescribes ‘connecting’ with each other or finding a meaningful thread. The annual Gala Concert is a celebration of the unity of the St Catherine’s Music community from Years 4 to 12. The theme of this year’s Gala is ‘One Thread That Binds Us All’. We extend a warm invitation to the wider School community to attend this special event and share in a variety of performances.

The Gala provides our Senior ensembles with the opportunity to showcase their years of skill, and our younger students (already great musicians) get to see where their music can lead to. Amongst other highlights this year will be ‘Sail Away’ by Malcolm Dalglish, which brings together over 120 of our choir students, and ‘Born This Way’ by Stefani Germanotta played by 60 of our strings players from Years 4 to 12.

Jorgensen Orchestra have been rehearsing for the Gala Concert.

Some of the students have reflected on what it means to participate in the Gala Concert:

“After playing clarinet for seven years, I envision my final Gala Concert will be the (blue!) ribbon that holds all of my memories of the St Catherine’s Music department together. My last Gala Concert will be immensely emotional, and I am sure I will feel so proud seeing the musical talent and happiness that is present in the community of girls at St Catherine’s. I cannot wait to see everyone there celebrating the music of our girls!” – Clementine Aston (Year 12), Senior Concert Band Captain.

“The Gala is an exciting night to perform the music we have been working on for the last term and to see others perform. Having the opportunity to play in a band since Year 5 has been a brilliant journey, which has helped me gain more confidence over the years. I have really enjoyed playing trumpet in Jazz Band and Concert Band, and Orchestra has helped me to further develop my skills as a musician and has allowed me to be a part of a great community.” – Phoebe Keilar (Year 12), Lead Trumpet, Senior Concert Band, Jazz Band.

“Our Gala Concert has always been the highlight of the St Catherine’s calendar to me. I am excited to be part of such an array of ensembles, from Viva Voci to playing violin in the Jorgensen Orchestra and the Advanced Percussion Ensemble. Last year, I had a lot of fun with Taiko Drumming and this year, I am excited to be performing a funky piece on the vibraphone, which is a challenge but I am up for it! At the end of the concert, I am always floating on air.” – Jariyan Patel (Year 9), Percussion Ensemble, Jorgensen Orchestra, Senior Strings, Viva Voci.

“Following Concerto Concert, Jazz Night and the Years 7 and 8 Concert, it is safe to say that it has been an extraordinary year so far. I get more and more excited to see what the Gala Concert brings, especially given the opportunity to perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The sound resonates beautifully in the hall, and I have grown to cherish it over the years of performing there.” – Olivia Soong Zi Yuan (Year 12), Music Captain (Instrumental).

“Being part of the Gala Concert is a great privilege. I love performing in smaller concerts and competitions but the Gala Concert is by far my favourite.” – Olivia Bogdan (Year 9), Jorgensen Orchestra, Jazz Band, Senior Strings.

“The Gala Concert is something that rolls around every year and yet, seems to be an entirely different event each time. Maybe it is in the way no ensemble sounds the same each year, with a different alignment of instruments and players to go with, or maybe it is just me reflecting on how good I thought my trumpet sounded in Year 7, but the Gala Concert is a well awaited day for all musicians. For months, we dedicate unknown hours in the Music department and even more in our bedrooms, learning and practising pieces that, at first, grate ears and probably offend composers. But, we practise. We practise and practise, until our arms ache and our embouchure will not hold anymore, and in what will be my eighth concert, I know the harmonious result, as always, will not disappoint.” – Kavina Kalaichelvam (Year 12), Trombone (Jazz Band).

Date: Tuesday 27 August 2019
Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre
Doors open at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start
Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes (including a 20 minute interval)
Price: Standard $34 / Student $24

Tickets can be purchased at www.melbournerecital.com.au/events/2019/one-thread-that-binds-us-all/

The following ensembles will perform:

• Epstein
• Sherren
• Viva Voci
• Combined Flutes
• Percussion Ensemble
• Jazz Band
• Glee
• Vocal Sensations
• Years 7 and 8 Concert Band
• Senior Concert Band
• Jorgensen Orchestra
• Senior Strings
• Barbreck Strings.

Please click here for more information.