Co-curricular Arts News

National Sorry Day Performance

This morning, our Chamber Choir delivered a moving performance at the National Sorry Day Ceremony held at Teralba Park, Mitchelton.

Their singing was both heartfelt and respectful, contributing beautifully to the reflective nature of the service. The choir represented the college with great professionalism, helping to honour and acknowledge the significance of the day through music. The students also had the great honour of performing alongside prominent First Nations musician and activist David Arden, who joined them for a stirring rendition of They Took the Children Away by Archie Roach. David, Archie Roach’s nephew, shared how proud he was to perform this powerful song with our chamber choir.

It was a meaningful experience for both performers and attendees, and we are very proud of their contribution to this important community event. Many thanks to the chamber choir musicians, Alison Braidwood, Melanie Stewart and Matthew Sorensen for work on this event and for the very early start today. 

Congratulations Marist Music Teacher - Douglas McRae

Marist College Ashgrove proudly congratulates our esteemed Voice Tutor, Douglas McRae, on his recent performances with Opera Australia in The Drover’s Wife. This production marks a significant milestone as the debut opera staged in QPAC’s stunning new Glasshouse Theatre. Douglas took to the stage in the role of the Peddler.

The Drover’s Wife is a powerful new opera based on the celebrated work of Leah Purcell AM, brought to life with a sweeping score by George Palmer AM and performed by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Blending grand operatic tradition with contemporary First Nations storytelling, the production captures both the beauty and harshness of the Australian High Country, delivering a moving and distinctly Australian theatrical experience.

We are incredibly fortunate to have teachers like Douglas, who are not only passionate educators but also active professionals in the performing arts industry. Congratulations, Douglas, on this outstanding accomplishment.

Co-Curricular Art Activities

There has been plenty happening across our co-curricular arts programs, with students engaging in creative and collaborative activities.

In School of Rock set decorating, students have been preparing set panels and collaging them to create a timber effect, bringing to life the wood-panelled classroom featured in the musical.

The Games Workshop continues to be popular, with students developing strategy and creativity (with our D&D group also busy upstairs).

In Art Club, half the group has been making glazed ceramic beads while the other half is creating bumblebee lanterns for the Luminous Lantern Parade in July, facilitated by Multicultural Australia. 

Some great photos from last Tuesday show the art rooms as a real hive of activity.

Art Club, Games Workshop, and School of Rock set work run every Tuesday, 3:30–4:30pm. All are welcome.

Cathedral Concert Celebration

Last Thursday, 21 May, our College Cathedral Concert at St Stephen’s Cathedral was a truly memorable evening of music. All ensembles performed beautifully, making the most of the cathedral’s stunning acoustics.

Highlights included the powerful and energetic sound of Marist Voices, our youngest vocal ensemble, and a range of outstanding solo performances throughout the night. A particular standout was the string trio featured in Chamber Strings’ performance of Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in D Major.

It was a wonderful showcase of talent, dedication, and the vibrant musical culture of our college. Thank you to all the staff who contributed to this event: Catherine Wasserman, Samantha Blakeney, Alison Braidwood, Melanie Stewart, Monica Haworth and Matthew Sorensen.