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spring 2016
Madrigal’s Triumph at
Boroondara Eisteddfod
Each year the Madrigals Choir have the
opportunity to perform at the Boroondara
Eisteddfod. It is always an exciting day, where
we are able to showcase our hard work on stage
and watch other talented school choirs perform.
It is an event in which we value participating, as
it helps support the arts in our local community.
This year we sang a four-part arrangement of
Santorini,
composed by Andrew Piper and a unison
piece,
Australian Lullaby,
which was written by
Edith Harrhy.
Santorini
is a relaxed tune with a
strong jazzy feel, which was, in fact, one of the
songs we performed when we went to the
Generations in Jazz Festival in Mount Gambier.
In contrast,
Australian Lullaby
is in a more classical
style and belongs to the Australian Art Song genre
from the early 20th Century. Our aim was to show
the adjudicator our ability to sing a range of styles.
After finishing our pieces, we were all extremely
pleased with what we were able to accomplish
and glad that we were able to demonstrate our
choral abilities to an audience. Well-respected
adjudicator Jenny Mathers commented,
‘You could
have heard a pin drop’
during our performance.
It was incredible to have our efforts recognised
by the adjudicator who awarded us first place.
Preparing for this performance took weeks of
intensive rehearsals each Tuesday after School
from 3:30-5:00pm. We are all so thankful for
the incredible amount of effort and work
Mr Shaun Jones and Mrs Eva Glover contributed
to these rehearsals. Being part of Senior Madrigals
is a genuinely unique experience, which provides
a team environment that students can thrive in
musically. We are extremely grateful for the
performing opportunities that come with singing
in Senior Madrigals.
Vocal Leaders, Georgie Apos and Saffrey Brown,
Year 12
Biennial Music Concert
Gathered in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall of the Melbourne Recital Centre,
the newest building in the Melbourne Arts Precinct, an audience of
parents, friends and family were treated to a memorable evening of
music at the Biennial Music Concert. This incredible hall, with its
astounding architecture and acoustics, formed a performing experience
that will not soon be forgotten by our talented Ruyton musicians. From
grand items, such as a combined orchestra and choir performing Luke
Byrne’s
Phoenix,
to smaller groups, such as the Chinese Ensemble and
Stage Band, a vast array of talent was showcased. With approximately
300 girls on stage the evening held many magnificent moments,
including a special performance from Ruyton past student Stephanie
Stamopoulos (’11), who is currently working in England with the BBC
Philharmonic. We also presented an arrangement of Seeker songs,
to honour Judith Durham (’60). It was a privilege to be able to perform
in such an amazing venue, and all our hard work paid off to produce
an evening of exquisite music.
Annie Gleisner,
Music Captain
Musical Notes