The Catholic Schools Music Festival (CSMF) has once again positioned itself as the ‘Grand Finale’ for the Term 3 school calendar.
Now in its 36th year, the Catholic Education SA festival brought together approximately 1,800 students from 83 metropolitan and regional Catholic schools from across South Australia to showcase their musical talents.
Held in the Festival Theatre at the Adelaide Festival Centre across four nights from September 23 to 26, each performance comprised of a carefully crafted medley of talented youth.
The 2024 theme ‘Where Dreams Begin’ included songs from the Walt Disney/Pixar film BRAVE, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway Musicals CAROUSEL (1945) and THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1959), as well as an Off To See The Wizard Tribute arranged by Pamela Buccini and Denise Rothall.
Each of the performances involved a 400-voice choir of students in Years 5 to 7 from 71 Catholic primary schools. The massed choirs were accompanied by St Mary’s College Senior Choir and a Combined Secondary Boys Vocal Ensemble of 35 boys from 8 colleges, providing a rich baritone element.
The arrangements of the choral songs involved soloists chosen by audition and this year were complemented by selected secondary students in a string ensemble and rhythm section.
Throughout the evening, the choral brackets were interspersed with performances by support acts which consisted of soloists and ensembles who are selected by audition from Catholic secondary schools.
Catholic Education SA Executive Director Dr Neil McGoran said the music festival, produced and managed by Music Director Denise Rothall and Production Coordinator Samantha Taylor, continues to be a highlight of the South Australian Catholic Education calendar.
“We are so proud of these students who are a part of the festival. It is a wonderful celebration of musical talent, joy and life in our students who come from right across our Catholic school communities.”
Festival director Denise Rothall said: “The Catholic Schools Music Festival provides the unique opportunity for students from a range of schools in the Catholic Education system to work collaboratively to share their limitless potential and capabilities.
“It is evident the festival connects our communities, including students, parents, teachers, school leaders, schools, parishes, arts partners, Catholic Education Office staff, and the wider community.
“This festival is more than just a week of performances; it is a testament to the enduring legacy and vibrant future of music education within Catholic schools across South Australia.”
The festival held its first performance in St Peter’s College Memorial Hall in 1989, with 16 schools participating. Over the years it has grown to now include four concerts, bringing together thousands of students, parents, school staff, parishes and members of the public in celebrating the extraordinary talents of young people within Catholic schools across South Australia.
The festival would not be possible without the incredible efforts of the Choir Trainers, Music Coordinators, and the Festival Committee, who work tirelessly to ensure the success of this event.
The festival is also supported by the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools, Catholic Education South Australia, school principals and staff, sponsors and the parents and friends of our students.
Visit the Catholic Schools Music Festival 2024 page to see more photos.
Nearly 500 children and young people in care are now benefiting from a generous scholarship program offered by Catholic schools.
The partnership between the Department for Child Protection (DCP) and Catholic Education SA (CESA) has grown from strength to strength since forming almost four years ago.
The scholarships allow children and young people in care to attend Catholic schools fee free. More than 100 students in care have been offered the scholarships this year alone, which also include uniforms, textbooks, excursions and extracurricular activities, each year for the duration of a student’s schooling.
