Performing Arts

Music

Full Moon Festival at Whitefriars School 

Recently, Year 10 student Nancy K had the wonderful opportunity to perform at Whitefriars Catholic School’s Full Moon Festival celebration. Performing at a special assembly, Nancy captivated an audience of more than six hundred eager with her musical talents on a traditional Chinese instrument, the guzheng.  

Led by Year 2 students, the assembly also provided an opportunity for students to ask Nancy about her musical journey and learn more about her experiences as a performer.  

Students from Whitefriars also proudly shared their handmade Chinese instruments, showcasing their creativity and STEM learning in a vibrant celebration of music and culture.  

Elicia Baldwin 

Music Ensembles and Instrumental Coordinator 

Save The Dates

Generations in Jazz

Friday 30 April - Sunday 2 May 2027 

Generations in Jazz holds a special place in the jazz culture of South Australia and the nation at large, where one generation of brilliant musicians inspires the next and aspiring musicians get a taste of life as professionals. It’s where like-minded individuals gather to learn from each other, study and perform for the sheer joy of it.  

In 2027, Loreto College Marryatville will once again travel to Mount Gambier to showcase the musical talents of our ensembles. Save the dates in your calendar now and consider joining us to celebrate the richness of music at the College. Further information will follow.  

Drama 

Commedia dell’arte Comes To Loreto in partnership with Drama SA 

Rebooting Commedia: A Celebration of Creativity, Collaboration and Play 

On Monday 21 September, Loreto College was delighted to host an inspiring performance of Commedia dell’arte for Year 7 students who are embarking on their curricular study of the art form this term. Students were treated to a lively and memorable performance from Make A Scene Productions who were touring from Melbourne, which highlighted conventions of the genre such as slapstick comedy along with audience interaction and participation.  

Drawing upon the rich traditions of commedia dell’arte and led by the wonderfully dynamic Rosa Campagnaro, founder of Make A Scene, the performance breathed new life into this centuries-old theatrical form. With her infectious energy, considerable expertise and an unmistakable passion for the art, Rosa encouraged students to embrace the physicality, spontaneity, humour and improvisational possibilities that lie at the heart of commedia. 

Later in the day, Loreto also hosted a professional development workshop facilitated by Drama South Australia. Entitled Rebooting Commedia, the workshop brought together Drama educators from across South Australia for an afternoon of creativity, collaboration and theatrical discovery.  

Perhaps most importantly, the afternoon celebrated the value of teachers becoming performers once again. Through shared exploration, experimentation and plenty of laughter, participants were reminded that the most meaningful professional learning is often experiential. It is wonderfully liberating to step away from the demands of the classroom on a Monday afternoon at the end of term and rediscover the joy of theatrical play alongside colleagues who share a passion for Drama education. 

The workshop also highlighted the importance of professional associations such as Drama South Australia in fostering meaningful connections between educators, facilitating interstate collaboration and providing accessible, high-quality professional learning opportunities. Rosa's visit from Victoria exemplified the value of bringing specialist practitioners into our local teaching community, enriching both our professional knowledge and our collective enthusiasm for the art form. Rosa regularly visits South Australia - at least twice a year - and her productions for school students are a highlight of the calendar. It was a memorable day for our Year 7 students.  

Ultimately, Rebooting Commedia was a wonderful reminder that great learning in Drama begins with curiosity, courage, collaboration and a willingness to play. We left not only with new ideas and renewed confidence, but with that unmistakable sense of exhilaration that comes from making theatre together. 

Matilda - The Musical 

 Introducing...Cleo M as Miss Trunchbull 

We are delighted to introduce Cleo M to the wider Loreto community as the indomitable Miss Agatha Trunchbull. Cleo is a talented performer whose passion for music has seen her singing and performing to a high standard since the age of six. She is a senior member of both Vocal Ensemble 1 and Vocal Quintet 1, and she is taking on the mantle of leadership as Loreto’s Vice Music Captain for 2026/2027. 

Trained in classical, contemporary and jazz vocal styles, Cleo is a versatile performer and musician. She holds AMEB Grade 3 qualifications in both voice and piano. In 2024, she toured Europe with Young Adelaide Voices’ leading First Concert Choir, which placed second overall at the International Choir Competition in Provence. Cleo has performed with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, at the Adelaide Festival, Carols by Candlelight and in the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant. 

In 2025, she was awarded the prestigious Generations in Jazz Award for Most Promising Soloist in Division 2. She also explored her growing interest in musical theatre, taking on the lead role of Harry in Loreto’s 2024 production of Mamma Mia!  

Beyond performing, Cleo is passionate about composition and has written and performed many of her own pieces. She was particularly honoured to compose Felicity for the College this year. 

Cleo is thrilled to take on the iconic role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical. Grateful for the opportunity to challenge herself and further develop her skills, she hopes to do this memorable character justice while bringing her own unique spark to the role. 

Our season runs from 26-28 November 2026. Join us! Tickets are selling fast: https://events.humanitix.com/matilda-2026 

Paula Little

Director of Performing Arts