The annual Music Gala is one of the most anticipated highlights of the St Catherine’s School calendar, and this year’s event was no exception. Held in the world-class venue of the Melbourne Recital Centre, the Gala showcased the extraordinary breadth of musical talent within the school and provided a platform for students across all year levels to perform for a highly appreciative audience of families, friends, and staff.

The 2025 theme, Raise Your Voice, was more than a title – it was a guiding spirit that resonated throughout the evening. From the youngest performers to the most senior musicians, the concert celebrated not only technical skill but also the courage, expression, and joy that music inspires.

A standout moment of the night came when, for the first time in many years, a massed choir of Year 5 to Year 8 students took to the stage. Under the dynamic direction of Head of Choral, Ms Juliana Kay, the choir performed the traditional spiritual hymn “Bring Me Little Water, Silvy”. The performance was enlivened by rhythmic body percussion, creating an atmosphere that was both fresh and deeply engaging. For many younger students, it was their first time singing as part of such a large ensemble, and the energy was palpable.

The Gala also provided an opportunity to witness collaboration at its finest. A diverse array of ensembles, from orchestras and bands to choirs along with our Year 12 VCE Music soloists, each contributed to the program with passion and dedication. The evening culminated in a moving finale that brought together all the performers on stage. Backed by strings and a staff band, the combined forces of the school’s musicians delivered a stirring rendition of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb”. The song’s message echoed beautifully with the Gala’s theme, leaving the audience uplifted and inspired.

One of the most cherished traditions of the Music Gala is the Rose Ceremony, a poignant moment that recognises the dedication of the school’s Year 12 musicians. Each graduating student is presented with a yellow rose by a Year 6 student, symbolising both gratitude and transition. This ceremony not only acknowledges the countless hours of practice, rehearsal, and performance contributed by these senior students but also serves as a powerful reminder of the continuity of the music program. As the Year 12s prepare to take their next steps beyond St Catherine’s, they leave behind a legacy of excellence to inspire our younger musicians.

Such an event is only possible through the tireless work of the school’s music staff, whose commitment ensures the smooth running of rehearsals and the professional quality of the concert. Special thanks must be extended to Mr Saska Ayris, whose organisation was instrumental to the success of the evening, and to Miss Sally Wilkinson, who worked alongside him to bring the Gala to life. Their efforts, combined with the dedication of the entire Music Department, ensured that the Music Gala once again embodied the spirit of St Catherine’s

The 2025 St Catherine’s Music Gala was more than a concert – it was a celebration of music’s power to connect, inspire, and, most importantly, raise voices together in harmony.