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2022 Gala Concert: Journeys

2022 Gala Concert: Journeys

19 August 2022

Gala Concert

I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all students and staff involved in our Gala Concert held on Tuesday of this week. It was a joy to return to the Melbourne Recital Centre and to be part of what was visibly an exciting performance opportunity for all our musicians. The Barbreck girls were beaming on stage, with their enthusiasm to perform alongside their big St Catherine’s sisters in the Massed Choir inspiring and beautifully visible.

Congratulations to our Head of Music, Mr Nick Grunden for his coordination of such a large event. Months of preparation, music selection, planning and rehearsals culminated in a highly polished and creative evening. It was indeed a team effort and the sheer magnitude of equipment on and off the stage provided only a snippet of what was really occurring.

In addition to the brilliance of each performance, I enjoyed watching the skill and expertise of our staff in their conductor roles. Congratulations to Mrs Lisa Cook, in particular, the Jorgensen Orchestra playing Lord of the Dance as the final piece of the night. It was simply stunning.

Our Choral Program, involving Barbreck girls through to our Senior students, is going from strength to strength, through the work of newly appointed Head of Choral, Ms Juliana Kay. The Jazz, Percussion and Concert Bands also provided great energy and vibrancy throughout the night and the girls clearly enjoyed the selection of music and opportunity to be on stage.

We also celebrated the long-standing contributions to our Music Program made by our departing Year 12 musicians this year. Charlotte Myer and Sarah Pratt have enjoyed many years performing as a duet, and they were once again fabulous last night. Charlotte Aston, a student at St Catherine’s since she was three years old was spectacular and Catherine Chen is such a gifted pianist, it is hard to imagine we will no longer be mesmerised by her sheer talent.

Other highly committed students that I have enjoyed seeing on stage over many years, and again last night include Eloise Rudge, Megan Chang, Emma Froomes, Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan, Angela Yu, Ciara Jenkins, Wing Man (Cecilia) Lau, Mary Kellis, Scarlett Davis, and Val Plastow, who all deserve our significant praise for their commitment, contribution, and leadership of Music this year.

The Gala Concert is a significant event in our School calendar and contributes enormously to the character development and confidence of each student involved. For months, students quietly participate in individual music lessons or after school rehearsals, often requiring a level of academic care and juggling of many pressing commitments at School. The Gala Concert was the opportunity for these girls to shine!

To view and download high resolution images from the Gala Concert, please click here.