The Joy of Choral Music
On Friday evening, I had the great pleasure of attending our 2026 Choral Spectacular at Federation Square. It was, in every sense, a spectacular evening.
The programme was wonderfully diverse, taking us on a musical journey through choral works from around the world. From the Junior School Choir through to the College Choir, Tomfoolery and Cantabile, our students demonstrated not only extraordinary musical talent, but also the confidence, discipline, collaboration and sheer joy that come from being part of a great ensemble. For me, the evening was particularly special because I have had the privilege of watching our choral programme blossom over recent years. What we see on stage today is the result of the dedication and passion of our students, our choral directors, accompanists and staff, who have nurtured a culture in which singing together is valued, celebrated and given the opportunity to hold centre stage. There is something unique about choral music. It asks young people to listen deeply to one another, to find their individual voice while contributing to something much bigger than themselves, and to trust the people around them. In a world that can sometimes feel increasingly individualised, there is something beautiful about a group of young people standing together and creating something that none of them could create alone. That is one of the reasons I am so proud of our choral programme. It embodies so much of what we hope for our students at Kingswood. And, perhaps most importantly, it brings joy. Our 2026 Choral Spectacular was also a wonderful opportunity to welcome Dr Michael Barrett, our Conductor in Residence, alongside our outstanding choral directors and accompanists, and to hear the remarkable Lachlan Higgins on baritone. My congratulations go to every student who performed and to everyone who contributed to such a memorable evening.
As Principal, it is one of the great privileges of my role to witness these moments, but as someone who has watched our choral programme grow over the years, Friday night also felt deeply personal. I left feeling incredibly proud of what our students and staff have built together. What a joy it is to see our young people find their voices and then to hear them raise those voices together. Congratulations to all involved in a truly outstanding Choral Spectacular. I look forward to seeing many of our students perform again at Showcase on 8 September.
At Kingswood College we proudly work to fulfil our vision to embolden hearts and inspire minds in a nurturing environment, on land that holds deep cultural significance to the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge and honour their Elders, past and present, and extend our respect to all First Nations people. Whenever we gather, and wherever we gather, we extend respect and dignity to the first inhabitants of our country and acknowledge the truth about the country on which our school has stood and now stands.
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