Crescendo of Achievements: St Leonard’s College 2024 Music Performances
Thursday 27 June 2024
The start of 2024 has been a dynamic period for the St Leonard’s College Music Department, combining exciting new ventures with our established performance program.
“ The first half of the year has brought many exciting performances for our incredible students to shine and showcase their musical talents.”
Richard Gill Memorial Festival of Strings and Keyboard
In March, our Senior Chamber Strings took part in the prestigious Richard Gill Memorial Festival of Strings and Keyboard. Under the expert guidance of Graham Abbott, they joined five other schools’ senior string ensembles to rehearse Saint-Saëns’ Third Symphony (2nd movement), famously known as the Organ Symphony. The intensive Friday evening and Saturday rehearsals were a remarkable opportunity for our students to collaborate and hone their skills.
VCE Top Class Sound Concert
Also in March, two of our outstanding VCE Unit 3/4 Music students from 2023, Jack Raudys and Niklas Soderstrom, were honoured with invitations to present their works at the VCE Top Class Sound Concert. Jack’s composition ‘Galactic Sounds’ written for Wind Ensemble, and Niklas’ piece, ‘Journey of the Silent Hero’, crafted for Big Band, were performed by our Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Big Band 1 at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre. This event highlighted the exceptional talent and creativity within our student body.
Generations in Jazz Festival
In early May, three of our Jazz ensembles participated in the renowned Generations in Jazz Festival. Students showcased their musical prowess, attended inspiring concerts and workshops, and listened to performances by other schools in their respective divisions. We are particularly proud of Jamie, who won Best Lead Trumpet of the competition, and Harrison, who was named a future finalist. Jamie, along with Paddy and Alasdair, also had the distinction of performing in the Division 1 Superband on the festival’s final day.
Ongoing Music Showcases
Our traditional music events have continued to flourish, including the VCE/IBDP Recital, the Term Two Concert Series, the Autumn Recitals for all private music students, and the Solo Artist Competition. This year’s Solo Artist Competition was won by Toby in Year 12, who will perform the first movement of the Lallo Concerto in September with the St Leonard’s Symphony Orchestra.
As we look forward to the next term, we eagerly anticipate more outstanding performances and musical achievements from our talented students. Well done to everyone involved.