Music Notes

Spotlight on music staff

Nicole Bull, Academic Dean of Performing Arts

We would like to introduce to you Stephen Coutts (Voice Tutor) and Darko Kolosov (Head of Strings/Violin and Viola Tutor) from our Music Department. 

Both Stephen and Darko teach students from primary to secondary years. Darko also conducts several ensembles throughout the week.

If you are interested in voice or violin/viola lessons for your child, please contact the Music Department at music.admin@kilvington.vic.edu.au. 

STEPHEN COUTTS - VOICE TUTOR 

Naming his dog after Dame Nellie Melba at the age of twelve, Stephen’s passion for music and the arts has since been a driving factor in both his teaching and performance career. 

As a versatile performer, namely known for his diverse repertoire and emotionally driven performance, Stephen (operatic tenor) strives to inspire audiences through sharing the intricacies and beauty that music and drama have to offer. 

Stephen has performed in many roles and productions through the Operatic, Operetta and Musical Theatre genres throughout Australia. 

He is a past member of the Opera Scholars Australia Program, where he was a part of the program for five seasons, and has enjoyed performing at events such as 'Opera In The Alps' and 'Opera In The Market'. 

Stephen has also performed in various productions with the Victorian Opera, Victorian Concert Orchestra, Amore Duet and other operatic companies throughout Australia.

Having completed his Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the University of Melbourne, Stephen is on the verge of completing his Masters of Teaching (Primary/Secondary) at Deakin University. 

Stephen held a scholarship with Songmakers Australia (as a Young Songmaker in 2019) specialising in Lieder and art-song music, and currently holds the Memorial Vocal Scholarship with the Maroondah Singers (2020-2021).

DARKO KOLOSVO -  HEAD OF STRINGS, VIOLIN/VIOLA TEACHER  

While studying violin/viola at the Academy of Music in Serbia, Darko was appointed leader of the viola section in the National Opera. 

After graduating, he freelanced as a violin and viola player, performing extensively with various orchestras and chamber ensembles in Europe. He also sang in a choir that won gold in an international vocal competition in Belgium. 

With the outbreak of the war in the Balkans, he came to Australia. Shortly after arriving, he was contacted by Spiros Rantos and invited to perform in the Rantos Collegium. This led to invitations to other orchestras and ensembles. 

Performing with the Australian Pops Orchestra, Darko took part in national tours with outstanding artists such as Sir Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton-John and Ray Charles. He also performed with Luciano Pavarotti, Tommy Emmanuel, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Renee Geyer, and David Bridie. Darko recorded the soundtrack for movies Babe - Pig in the City, and Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett. 

He taught at various schools in Melbourne such as Brighton Grammar and Sacre Coeur, before being appointed Head of Strings at Ivanhoe Grammar, where he remained for over 15 years. 

Darko took sabbatical leave and moved to Vienna for a year and taught at the Vienna International School, conducting the orchestra and coaching the Firsts in soccer (a sport he is passionate about). 

Darko then returned to Australia and took up the role of Head of Strings at Kilvington Grammar three years ago. He is very happy to be in this position and to share his musical knowledge and rich life experiences with students at Kilvington Grammar. 

Prep to Year 4 speech and drama concert

Kathryn Nelson, Prep to Year 4 Speech and Drama Teacher

With lockdown number 5 restrictions upon us, our Prep to Year 4 Speech and Drama Concert had to be reimagined in a video recording (click here for the link). We were so lucky that we were able to film our concert items before the next lockdown began. 

The students enjoyed taking part in the recording of the Concert. This experience enabled the Speech and Drama students to increase their confidence in performing and also demonstrated their resilience in performing under very different circumstances.  

We hope you enjoy the concert!  

Vocal soiree goes virtual! 

Charlotte Glassel, Year 12  

On Wednesday 25 August, the Senior School Vocal Soiree took place over Microsoft Teams. Even while in lockdown, our present (and past) Units 3 and 4 Music Performance voice students were able to share their talents with their families, friends, and teachers, bringing us all a sense of much-needed hope through the joy of music. 

Pieces ranged from Classical Italian Opera to Louis Armstrong’s A Wonderful World – a testament to the versatility of the talent within our Kilvington vocal community. Not only did this provide a fantastic opportunity for our singers to perform and practice for their upcoming exams and auditions, it also allowed us to come together and support each other’s musical journeys. 

Furthermore, we were each able to see just how far we have all progressed over the years. I, for one, am very proud of everyone for persisting with their passions for music and singing, allowing us each to become even more experienced and diverse performers. Bravo! 

Student achievement  - Cindy Yi 

The Music Department at Kilvington would like to offer their congratulations to VCE Music student Cindy Yi, who was awarded second prize in the Online 2021 Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival Competition. 

Cindy was the only Australian in her age group, 18 years and under, to be awarded a prize. This was for her recording of the Danzas Argentinas Op 2 No 3 by Ginastera. 

The YouTube video of Cindy’s performance, along with the competition results, can be found here. The global competition attracts performers from various countries such as the US, Indonesia, China, New Zealand, and Malaysia, and features a jury of ten Australian and international judges. We are all very proud of Cindy’s fabulous achievement. 

Lockdown performances 

The Performing Arts Department would love to feature anyone who would like to record a solo in the comfort of their own home to share in the ITK newsletter. 

This can be a recording of an instrumental/voice item, dance or monologue. Please send your recordings to music.admin@kilvington.vic.edu.au.   

Friday afternoon soirees 

Due to the current restrictions, the Friday Afternoon Soirees are postponed. We look forward to presenting them again as soon as we are able.  

Diary dates – Term 3 (dependent on COVID restrictions)