Stage 5 Music Excursion - Sydney Opera House

On Friday 08 November Year 9 and 10 Elective Music students travelled by train to the Sydney Opera House to attend a concert presented by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The concert repertoire included the music of JS Bach with his Brandenburg Concerto No.3 and CPE BACH Flute Concerto in G featuring soloist Joshua Batty and Simone Young on harpsichord. However the highlight of the program was the performance of Mozart's Symphony No.41, ‘Jupiter’ Symphony. Mozart’s 41st and final symphony nicknamed ‘Jupiter’ displayed characteristics of the Classical style whilst looking forward to the Romantic era. 

Following the Sydney Symphony performance, students and staff participated in a one hour Sydney Opera House Tour. A highlight of the tour included visiting the Joan Sutherland Theatre, the second largest indoor venue in the Opera House with a seated capacity for up to 1507. The theatre features an extensive fly system, flexible staging and large orchestra pit. During our theatre tour, we had the privilege of sitting in on a dance rehearsal, offering us a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production process for the new ballet titled ‘Oscar’ based on the life and writings of Oscar Wilde. The students were delightful throughout the day, and Ms. Slender and Ms. Curtis would like to commend them for their respectful and engaging behaviour during both the concert and the Sydney Opera House tour.

Student Reflections

The excursion to the Opera House was an enlightening experience. We were allowed to sit behind the Orchestra and watch Simone Young conduct in the beautiful Concert Hall, where all the instruments were played acoustically and naturally amplified by the architecture and layout of the Hall. The tour showed us many amazing parts of the Opera House, and there were stunning views of the ocean through the windows surrounding the entire building.  

Dominic Adamovic

The excursion to the Sydney Opera house was a very exciting and vivid experience that was a highlight to my year 9 music year. The conductor, Simone Young was very talented and showed the level of skill and made the experience a truly wonderful and interesting exploration into the skill and absolute wonderful acoustics that the Sydney symphony orchestra possessed. 

Luca Saprun

The music excursion to the Sydney Opera House was a great experience that allowed us to experience Mozart's Jupiter Symphony conducted by International Conductor Simone Young. My standout of this excursion was the tour around the opera house with our guide Peter, who taught us about the history of the building and the artists who have performed there.

Dylan Teuma

National Anthem Volunteers

Our Creative and Performing Arts Councillors for 2025 Charlotte Cornett and Diana Adamovic currently alternate the duties of leading the singing of the National Anthem at official school functions. However, all students of the College are invited to lead the singing of the National Anthem at College events and enthusiastic vocalists are asked to register their interests with Ms Slender or Ms Curtis.

Private music tuition has begun at Magdalene Catholic College. The music lessons are provided by Macarthur Music Academy and under the supervision of the Director Mr David Eaton. Music tuition is available on the electric, acoustic and bass guitar, piano, voice and drum kit. The cost of lessons are $35 per week and are billed directly to parents each term. At this stage the student response to the lessons has been greater than the time available. The College is looking at additional times to extend the program both for the remainder of this term but also for 2025. To register your interest for 2025 please speak to Ms Slender (Music Teacher) or Ms Curtis (Music Teacher).

Ms Cheryl Curtis

Leader of Learning - Performing Arts