Over the past 10 years St Catherine's has developed a warm and ongoing relationship with the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). This is thanks to the generosity of Mark and Kate White who have gifted a number of workshops and concerts through their company sponsorship of the ACO. During this time we have been impressed with the ACO's commitment to delivering opportunities to students throughout Australia; from Indigenous students in Cairns to students closer to home in Matraville and Waterloo. Last night, through the generous support of the St Catherine's Foundation, and in particular Peter Shorthouse, we marked the beginning of St Catherine's partnership with the ACO National Education Program.
The night began with our Prelude, Camerata and Sinfonietta Strings performing for guests in the theatre foyer, while parents provided a light supper to raise money for the music program at Asha Nepal. We then moved to the chapel for the highlight of the evening, as St Catherine's String Symphony, The Scots College Senior Strings together with four members of the ACO performed two pieces – Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, and Parva Res by Australian composer Professor Mary Finsterer. Parva Res was commissioned by our School and generously funded by the P&F, to mark our 160 year anniversary. Based on music from her opera Biographica, Professor Finsterer's vision was to compose something like a little piece of poetry – and it was indeed a beautiful piece played wonderfully by this combined strings orchestra.
The next stage of our partnership with the ACO will be inter-school visits between St Catherine's and St Mary's North Public School, Penrith, as we support the innovative ACO Music & Art Program delivering a quality music education to students of Western Sydney.
Mr David Gresham – Director of MusicMs Marilyn Rickard – Director of Community Relations
