IMP News
Over 100 Fortians dazzle audiences in ‘In Concert’
On Monday 18th of August, over 100 Fortians took to the stage of Sydney Opera House to perform as part of the secondary choral festival ‘In Concert’, along with guest artists The Australian Vocal Ensemble and Katie Noonan. 80 students from the Fort Street Vocal Ensemble participated in the Combined Choir, featuring singers from schools across NSW. The Fort Street Vocal Ensemble was by far the largest cohort, making up 1 in 10 of the 800+ voice choir!
Fortians also appeared in NSW Senior Singers, NSW Schools Symphony Orchestra, and NSW Schools Jazz Orchestra, in both featured items and accompanying the combined choir and guest artists. It was a sensational concert with a diverse repertoire ranging from Elton John to the Mozart Requiem. It was incredibly special to perform on the Sydney Opera House Stage and outstanding that Fort Street had such a strong showing in this important festival.
Fort Street Vocal Ensemble on their way to the ‘In Concert’ rehearsal
NSW Primary Schools Festival of Choral Music
The NSW Primary Schools Festival of Choral Music was held at Sydney Opera House over 5 nights (4-8 August) with thousands of primary school students singing to a packed house each night. Fortians featured prominently in this festival as members of the Festival Orchestra, accompanying the singers, and as members of Arts Unit ensembles who performed across the festival. Ethan Tsang (pictured) featured as a cello soloist and amazed audiences with his brilliant performance. Congratulations to all Fortians on their contributions to this inspiring festival.
Ethan Tsang performing in the Sydney Opera House at the NSW Primary Schools Festival of Choral Music
The Addams Family Musical
IMP students starred in two brilliant performances of The Addams Family Musical, on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd August, in both leading roles and as part of the band. The band was led by the amazing Jem Harding and both Mr Atkins and Dr Manchester joined the students for the performance too.
The Addams Family band
Year 7 Fort Street student wins first prize at the Ryde Eisteddfod
Congratulations to IMP violinist Jack Ng, of Year 7, who won the 10-12 years String Section at the recent Ryde Eisteddfod and third place at the St. George Eisteddfod in July. In his winning performance, Jack played the third movement of the fiendishly difficult and very beautiful ‘Winter’ from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Jack was also heard in the Addams Family Musical on 21 and 22 August! Well done, Jack!
If you have a musical achievement from outside of school that you would like to share with the IMP community, please email Dr Manchester for inclusion in Mercurius! We have IMP members popping up in all sorts of musical arenas, and we’d love to celebrate your successes with you!
UPCOMING MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES
Applications for The Arts Unit Instrumental Ensembles are now open for 2026
Join high-potential students from NSW public schools in varying ensembles directed by professional conductors, including the intermediate ensembles – Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Stage Band, String Sinfonia; and advanced ensembles – Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra.
To apply, all musicians are required to be at an AMEB grade 4+ level for the intermediate ensembles (Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Stage Band and String Sinfonia) and an AMEB grade 6+ level for the advanced ensembles (Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra). Don’t miss the chance to be part of this amazing experience.
Once the applications close, a link will be emailed on Friday 10 October with access to the set excerpt/s. Auditions will be scheduled on either Saturday 25 October or Sunday 26 October and held at The Arts Unit at Lewisham Public School.
Email for further questions: music.artsunit@det.nsw.edu.au
To apply: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/event/2025-10-06/instrumental-ensembles-2026-applications
Applications deadline: Monday 6 October at 5pm.
Pulse Alive 2026 nominations are now open
Pulse Alive is a vibrant celebration of creativity, connection, and opportunity in the performing arts. It brings together thousands of singers, dancers, actors, and musicians from NSW public schools across metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote communities. More than a performance, Pulse Alive is a positive educational experience where every student is celebrated and included.
Pulse Alive will take place at Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park on the following dates during Term 1, Week 8:
- Wednesday 18 March 2026
- Thursday 19 March 2026
- Friday 20 March 2026
There are many opportunities including Drama Ensemble, Choir, Showband, Pulse Alive Dance Company, Student Crew and more.
For full details of available opportunities, selection criteria, and key dates, visit: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/pulse-alive/participants
SYO Summer School and HSC Programs – Limited early bird registration now open
On 12-17 January 2026, join SYO for five fun and intensive days of rehearsals and tutorials with Sydney’s best educators, culminating in a concert at Sydney Conservatorium of Music to showcase your week of work.
For further information, including all the Summer School program opportunities and registration details, visit: https://syo.com.au/2026-syo-summer-school/
Applications now open for 2026 Young Mannheim Symphonists Programs
Applications are now open for the 2026 Young Mannheim Symphonists programs – Australia’s only national youth orchestra devoted to historically informed performance of Classical and Romantic music (HIP). The YMS National and State Academies are co-directed by the internationally-acclaimed Rachael Beesley, Neal Peres Da Costa, and Nicole van Bruggen along with a world-class faculty.
Students and emerging musicians, aged 23 or younger, are provided with the chance to experience the transformative power of historical performance & instruments; play masterworks by Beethoven, Mozart, Spohr, Suk and Richard Strauss; participate in workshops, tutorials, chamber music, side-by-side rehearsals, and career development; and participate in a triumphant final public performance.
Playing level: Performance standards differ for each instrument, but as a guide, a minimum of AMEB Grade 7–8 level or equivalent is recommended.
Sydney dates (National Academy): 6-11 July (click link below for other dates)
Application deadline: Midnight Sunday 26 October 2025
For further information, including costs, audition excerpts and to apply, visit: https://www.arco.org.au/yms-2026