Music Notes

Nicole Bull, Academic Dean of Performing Arts

Concerto Concert

On Wednesday evening, our biannual Concerto Concert at the Hawthorn Arts Centre took listeners on a symphonic journey featuring five distinct concertos, each showcasing different instruments and musical eras.

Melody Xu, Year 12, opened with Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No 5 in F Major, Opus 103, displaying lyrical elegance. Zach McDonald, Year 11, followed with Telemann's Viola Concerto in G Major, where the warm tones of the viola triumphed under his command. Then Angelina Zhang, Year 10, transported us to the Romantic era with Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Major, evoking tender nostalgia to fiery exuberance. 

Sinclair McClimont, Year 9, brought a delightful change of pace with Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat Major, showcasing the trumpet’s brilliance and agility. Edgar Chen, Year 12, concluded with Paganini’s Violin Concerto No 1 in D Major, mesmerising the audience with his technical wizardry. 

The past students' choir delivered a poignant rendition of Leonard Cohen's ‘Hallelujah’, blending voices together in perfect harmony. 

Joe Ashmore, Year 11, and Edgar Chen, Year 12, brought drama with 'Les Misérables', while Faure's Romance Op 2 in B-flat Major offered delicate melodies. 

A combined orchestra and choral performance of 'Nella Fantasia' created a mesmerising soundscape with ethereal harmonies that touched everyone's heart. The massed choir finished the evening with a stirring performance of 'The Parting Glass', leaving a lasting impression on the audience with their heartfelt rendition.

Overall, this breathtaking concert stunned the audience with the mastery of our performers and left everyone wanting more. Congratulations to all involved for their incredible effort and hard work that made this evening such a resounding success!

Year 5 Band Program Concert

Ryana Shi, Year 5

On Thursday 6 June, we had a spectacular time at the Year 5 Band Concert. I played the clarinet and felt really nervous when I had to introduce my instrument to the audience. Overall, the Year 5s had a lot of fun, and I look forward to the next concert!

Matthew McCrohan, Year 5

At the start of the year, Year 5 students had to pick their instrument for the Band Concert. I chose to play the flute. Learning how to play was hard at first, but became really fun after a while. My favourite part of the concert was doing a solo with the other flute players. Overall, the concert was awesome, and I really enjoyed learning the flute. I hope I can perform more!

Winter Concert

The Winter Concert, performed on a cold night on Thursday 13 June in Dalton Hall, was a splendid evening of music. 

It featured eight of Kilvington’s developing musical ensembles, giving over 120 students the opportunity to perform for a large, supportive audience.

In addition to the ensembles, eight students from Years 5 to 8 presented solo performances on a variety of instruments including strings, voice, piano, saxophone, and French horn.

Congratulations to Lili Metz (Year 5), Noah Ha (Year 5), Harrison Zhou (Year 5), Ethan Shi (Year 6), Sylvie Metz (Year 7), Lily-Rose Jackson (Year 7), Oliver Sey (Year 7) and Thomas Ye (Year 8) for their fabulous performances!

Well done to all the students who performed in ensembles and worked diligently to prepare for the evening. Thank you to the Music staff who directed the ensembles, provided piano accompaniment and assisted with organising the concert. 

Years 2 and 3 Strings Concert

On Tuesday 11 June, the Years 2 and 3 Concert provided a wonderful opportunity for our young performers to showcase their talents in front of an appreciative audience of families and teachers.

The concert began with three delightful pieces by the Year 2 Combined Orchestra – Willow Waltz, Jig and Manhattan Blues. The students demonstrated their skills on open strings and demonstrated their bow hold.

Aanya Agarwal said she enjoyed playing an instrument she really wanted to play. Manhattan Blues was both Annie Li’s favourite piece because 'you could watch everyone dance' and Mia Bi's because 'it was fast'.

Following this, the Year 3s performed three pieces – Mirror Magic, Finger Twister and Au Claire de la Lune. Grayson Williams said, ' I enjoyed learning cello during the semester and will remember playing in front of my dad and a big audience' while Arya Choksi commented, 'I will remember all the smiles on people’s faces while we were playing.'

The concert finished with a spirited combined performance of Hot Cross Buns, described by Ralph Hopkins as 'really quick and really fun'. It was a fitting finale enjoyed by one and all! 

Upcoming Annual Concert - 14 August

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Annual Concert, to be held on Wednesday, 14 August at 7.30pm at the Melbourne Recital Centre in Southbank. Tickets will be available for $35 for adults, $15 for concessions and complimentary for students. 

Please be aware that there will be a rehearsal on Sunday July 28 for all performance groups. Further details will be provided in Week 3 of Term 3. 

Diary dates - Term 3