Meriden’s Senior Singers were crowned the 2024 Australasian Open Choral Champions in June this year, competing against top-tier adult and community choirs.
The group earned their place after winning the Youth Vocal Ensemble category at the Sydney Eisteddfod.
The Years 5 and 6 Choir won second place in the Youth category of the Championships after winning their Primary Choir section at the Sydney Eisteddfod.
Meriden’s Dean of Music Ms Jodie Spooner-Ryan says the Sydney Eisteddfod is a wonderful opportunity to see other choirs and instrumental ensembles from all over Sydney, in schools and in the community, perform a diverse range of repertoire.
“The competitive aspect gives us a goal to work towards and to perfect repertoire,” she says.
Meriden’s ensembles achieved outstanding results at the 2024 Sydney Eisteddfod.
Senior School ensembles achieved first place honours in the Symphony Orchestra (Premium Youth Orchestra), Sinfonia (Intermediate Youth Orchestra), Madrigals (Youth Vocal Ensemble), and Senior Singers (Youth Choir).
Strong performances were also delivered by the Big Band and Jazz Combo (both second place), Wind Symphony and Intermediate Chamber Strings (both third place), while the Concert Band and Chamber Strings earned Highly Commended awards in their respective divisions.
The Junior School celebrated victories with the Years 5-6 Choir (Primary Choir), Year 2 Choir (Infant Choir), and JS Chamber Strings (Primary School Premium String Ensemble) all winning their respective divisions.
The Senior Singers were invited to compete in the Open category, after placing first in the Youth Vocal Ensemble (19 Years and Under) at the Sydney Eisteddfod.
Their repertoire included Always keep this close by Zachary J Moore, and La Niña, composed by Mr Huw Belling, Meriden teacher.
“The power of music and the ways it brings the girls together, is invaluable and creates life-long memories,” says Ms Spooner-Ryan.
