Celebrating Song and Faith: MLC School 140 Years Concert at Sydney Town Hall

This week, our community gathered in the grand space of Sydney Town Hall for a truly memorable evening – the MLC 140 Anniversary Town Hall Concert. As voices lifted and instruments resounded, we were reminded that music has the power to hold story, identity and belonging in ways words alone cannot.

 

The concert was more than a performance; it was a celebration of 140 years of courage, creativity, and growth at MLC School. Students from across year levels, together with Old Girls shared their gifts with confidence and joy, embodying the very spirit of our School – young and old people who Dare to Be More.

 

Each piece told a story. Some reflected the journey of those who have gone before us; others pointed with hope towards the future. Together, they formed a tapestry of sound that honoured our past, celebrated our present, and inspired what is still to come. We give thanks for the dedication of our music staff, the passion of our musicians, and the unwavering support of families who nurture these gifts. It was a night where the whole community could say: this is who we are!

 

As a Uniting Church School, this week we also marked the 49th anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA)…. a church born from a vision of unity, reconciliation and shared purpose.

 

This milestone invites us to reflect on the values that continue to shape our life together at MLC School, and as a Uniting Church school, our story is deeply connected to this wider story of faith. The same spirit that brought together different traditions to form the UCA continues to inspire us… to build a community where diversity is celebrated and reconciliation is lived out each day.

 

There was something particularly special about holding our 140th anniversary musical performance celebration in the same week as the UCA anniversary. Both moments speak of coming together:

 

At Sydney Town Hall, we saw this lived out beautifully. Students did not simply perform; they participated in something larger than themselves – a community shaped by faith, creativity and hope.

 

As we come to the end of a rich and celebratory term, we give thanks for all that has been shared and experienced together in this special 140th year. And as the holidays begin, I wish all students, staff and families a restful and joyful break.

 

May this time be one of renewal – filled with moments of peace, connection, and gratitude. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed, ready to continue our shared journey of learning, faith and community in the term ahead.

 

Senior Chaplain