Senior Performing Arts

HSC Composition Workshop: Angus Davidson

Year 11 Music 1 and 2 had the privilege of working with Australian Composer and Composer in Residence at The Kings School, Angus Davidson. We had the pleasure listening to and analysing his work Nigel, a piece of programmatic music that depicts the tale of a gannet (bird) who lived out his life isolated on an island off the coast of New Zealand with no company but statues of gannets placed on the island in the hopes of attracting the species to repopulate. 

Angus’ compositional process was fascinating and the way in which he utilised the instrumentation of the ensemble he was commissioned to write for (Clarinet, Strings an Piano) as well as the way he created harmony and melody was fascinating and extremely insightful. The workshop also involved a number of activities to help us refine our own composing skills, using Angus’ tips of taking inspiration from the world and our experiences and keeping it simple to start with, to create our own short works. 

The workshop was a really wonderful experience and extremely helpful when looking at starting/continuing with our own compositions. We’d like to extend a massive thankyou to Angus for his time and expertise and Mrs Shields for organizing such an amazing workshop.

Sam Martin, Year 11 Music

Out West Piano Fest: Congratulations to Ella Kerdic

Congratulations to Year 9 student Ella Kerdic, who made a guest appearance at the Out West Piano Fest, accompanying Australian soprano Rachelle Durkin.  

The concert, held at historic Blackdown Farm near Bathurst, featured winners of the Sydney International Piano Competition, who had flown in from Berlin and New York for the event, alongside Rachelle Durkin from Opera Australia, and Harry Bennetts, associate concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. 

Ella had less than a week to learn the tricky accompaniment required, but played with maturity and musicality, holding her own in esteemed company.  Our thanks to Carmen Nieves and Dr Jay Byrnes from Allianza Music for facilitating this opportunity for Ella.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Saturday 29 November, 5pm – Please note change of date

This term our choirs and orchestra students are presenting a traditional Christmas Carol service, with free admission to the public.  We are hoping that this event will provide us the opportunity to spread a bit of Christmas cheer and also to foster links with the broader Orange community. Further information has been emailed to our performers.  

Please come along and celebrate the spirit of Christmas!