- Massed Choir Festival will see 5,000 students from 99 public schools performing over seven nights
- Event is in its 33rd year and showcases primary choral music in Western Australia
- This year’s festival features a new song about the 1932 Great Emu War, composed by Mark Puddy
Western Australian public school students are joining in perfect harmony, with 5,000 young singers from 99 schools taking to the stage for the 33rd Massed Choir Festival to celebrate excellence in primary choral music.
The event – which runs from 16 to 24 September – showcases musical talent in education, with students from years 4 to 6 from Perth metro and regional WA performing in a massed choir over seven nights.
Each choir consists of 700 voices with a guest choir featuring each night, accompanied by a string quartet and professional band.
Seven new schools have joined the festival this year, including Spring Hill Primary School, Woodland Grove Primary School, Swan View Primary School, Somerly Primary School, Beverley District High School, Henley Brook Primary School, and Millen Primary School.
This year features a newly commissioned piece by composer Mark Puddy, called The Wars of the West, marking the world premiere of the humorous piece about the 1932 Great Emu War.
The highly regarded Australian composer worked in music education for 35 years and specialises in writing and arranging choral works for youth and community choirs. He is also a resident composer with the Australian Girls Choir.
Schools involved were supported by a comprehensive suite of teacher and student resources.
The first Massed Choir Festival was held in 1994 and was started by a group of primary music teachers who saw a need for a major festival of this type in Western Australia.
Since its beginning it has grown from a single concert to seven nights of song and is the largest choral festival of its kind in Western Australia.
Comments attributed to Education Minister Sabine Winton:
“As a former teacher, I understand the powerful role music plays in helping young people grow in confidence and express themselves creatively.
“There is something magical about seeing students come together after months of practice to perform for their families, friends, and loved ones.
“The Massed Choir Festival is a wonderful reminder of how music can bring school communities together, and I know the students performing over the next week will make memories that will last a lifetime.
“Congratulations to every student performing, and thank you to the school leaders, teachers, conductors, accompanists, families, and everyone behind the scenes who have helped make this festival possible.”
