16th MLC School Sydney Opera House Concert
My thanks to everyone for their support for the 2023 Sydney Opera House Concert. The success of the event was the result of the combined efforts of many members of our community and the exceptional dedication and talents of our music staff and all staff and students who were involved.
Reading through information from the archival records of Music at MLC School, the first MLC School orchestra performance was in Potts Hall in 1932, where according to the records, “the School Orchestra performed folk dances on senior play day. The Orchestra consisted of one first violin, four second violins, a cello, piano, two drums, four triangles, two cymbals and one tambourine.”
We have certainly grown since that time! But since our earliest days, learning, performing, and enjoying music have been at the heart of MLC School.
The tradition of the Biennial Sydney Opera House Concert began in June 1991 when the then Principal Barbara Stone and Head of Music Karen Carey were daring enough to stage the first ever MLC School Sydney Opera House Concert.
At that time, the expectation that all students who are old enough be involved was born and to this day, along with the exceptional quality of the music performed, having all students involved is what sets the MLC School Sydney Opera House Concert apart. We were honoured that both Barbara and Karen attended this year’s concert.
Equally important as the quality of the performances is the sense of belonging that involvement in the Sydney Opera House Concert promotes. In order to thrive, each of us needs places and experiences that reinforce that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and people who know us and with whom we share collective experiences.
As I watched the students perform, that feeling of belonging was palpable – and I know that the feeling of joy and belonging that each performer experienced while on stage will stay with them long after the notes and words are forgotten.
And while the concert has been a collective effort, without our music staff it would not have happened.
Congratulations and thanks to:
- Minna Veinola – Music Administrator
- Alison Duncan – Music Centre manager
- Laura McDonald – Assistant Head of Keyboard
- Ying Ho – Head of Keyboard
- Megan Ling – Music Teacher
- Leon Vitogiannis – Music Teacher
- Amanda Lavender – Music Teacher
- Tristan Coelho – Head of Composition (composer of Silhouette opening item)
- James Larsen – Head of Strings
- Richard Coward – Head of Bands
- Sophie Grattan Smith – Junior School Music Coordinator
- Elizabeth Gilberthorpe – Assistant Director of Music
- Trevor Mee – Director of Music
Photos from the event can be found on the MLC School Facebook page.
– Lisa Moloney
Principal