Sydney Opera House Concert
LEGACY An ambitious undertaking involving the majority of our school community.
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n May 2017 the 14th Biennial Sydney Opera House Concert, entitled Legacy was presented by MLC School. This ambitious undertaking involved the vast majority of our school community. Students from Year 4 to Year 12 performed 14 items, along with staff and special guests. To all our girls performed with such exuberance and talent, from our talented soloists to the smallest chorister, our community thanks you. Significantly, five of the items presented were original works. The essence of an education at MLC School is innovation and the development of fearless thinkers with an entrepreneurial spirit. The Legacy concert was a perfect expression of this spirit. Of the five original works, one was commissioned from renowned Australian composers Paul Jarman and Bonnie
Nilsson, another from our own MLC School colleague Tristan Coelho (written for the current Year 12 Elective Music students) the exciting Taiko piece written for our students by the remarkable Kerryn Joyce and Brooke Shelley's commissioned choral piece for the Chamber and Senior Choirs. A particular highlight was the piece composed by one of our 2016 HSC Distinguished Achievers, Hayley Cavanagh (2016). These works were extraordinary in their diversity, quality and the very high standard of performance achieved. Also of special note is Year 11 student Nikki Zanuttini who won the MLC School competition to write lyrics for the final item, Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4. In addition to the many months spent preparing with the girls, our music staff
performed as conductors, including Kerryn Joyce, Guy de Villiers, Joanna Drimatis, Tristan Coelho, Richard Coward and Elizabeth Gilberthorpe, ably led by Music Director James Allington and Assistant Director Emma Bourke.
‘Music gives my girls confidence, purpose and a sense of belonging, joy, satisfaction and friendship.’ – MLC SCHOOL PARENT
An undertaking like this is also the work of many unsung heroes, including the many staff who made this concert possible, on the buses, backstage, supervising classes and rehearsals and rolling with good humour at the inevitable disruptions to their teaching programs. Their whole-hearted support is invaluable, and one of the reasons why MLC School is the wonderful place it is. The support of our parents and community on these special occasions and indeed through all the school’s endeavours is much appreciated. Parents in particular make huge efforts to give their daughters the opportunity to participate in the many programs offered through the school. For the families with a music focus we know that this concert is always a special and affirming occasion. The Sydney Opera House Concert Hall is about to be closed for several years for extensive refurbishment. We are fortunate to have been able to use this iconic venue for so many years and, in the MLC School spirit of fearless thinking and innovation, look forward to what will come in two year's time.
LUCIS Winter 2017
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