2016 Gallery
2016 Twilight Concert
A year to remember!
During our Festival in September this year, the state-wide blackout occurred on Wednesday 28th, and further, on Thursday 29th, the weather alert was announced. Approximately 1,000 school children who had been preparing for their performance for over 8 months, had their performances cancelled. It was the first time in the history of the Adelaide Festival Centre that an indoor event had been cancelled.
In lieu of the weather events, we were delighted to be able to reschedule a concert for as many students as possible whose performance night did not occur.
The Twilight Concert held at St Michael’s College in Henley Beach on Saturday November 19 was a huge success with the students receiving a standing ovation! You couldn't have wished for a better response from an audience of 800 people, who came to support over 300 students who were able to participate.
From the time the Committee arrived at 12.30 to set up Founders Hall, the feeling was of excitement that we were doing this. St Michael’s College have tiered seating in their hall, which acted as our choir riser, and it worked beautifully. The SMC Friends of Music set up a sausage sizzle which created a wonderful family outing. There were smiles on everyone’s faces.
When the students arrived at 3pm for a short rehearsal, to be honest, they didn’t need it. They were so excited, so prepared, so ready, they were bursting to get out there and perform.
Looking around at the choir trainers, as we ran through the songs, you could so easily see how important this was for all of us. They are to be commended on the extra work put into preparing the students for what was an amazing performance. Our thoughts were also with those schools that were not able to join us for many reasons. You were not forgotten!
We were able to get students from the rhythm section, some from the combined boys vocal ensemble and some from the festival string ensemble. All soloists were there including some Year 12 students, and we had some support acts who were to perform on those cancelled nights, with St Michael’s College providing extra support with their talented Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Big Bands. Pamela even played on a grand piano!
But the moment that was truly special, was having the choir trainers sing the secondary girls vocal line (who were unable to attend) in Nella Fantasia, in Italian. It ended up being a magical spot in the program.
Our congratulations and thanks go to everyone for the enormous work you do throughout the year in preparing your students. It is a privilege to work with you all.
Bring on 2017!
Musical Director Festival Production Coordinator
