Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2003

10 MUSIC ST STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral of St Stephen provided a magnificent setting for the extended Grammar community to come together to present a programme of string and vocal music that was truly first class. The centrepiece of the occasion was a setting of the Magnificat by Vivaldi which brought to a climax the 2003 season of the Grammar Community Choir. The choir of parents, friends and former students has become quite a tradition and thanks to the vibrant and professional direction by Mr Paul Holley, continues to grow in size and stature each year. Prominent Brisbane organist Christopher Wrench and Chamber Orchestra Concert Master Francesca Hiew (11E) featured in the very moving Adagio by Albinoni while Jocelyn Knight(12E), Carla Smerdon(11W), Sally Biggins(11G), Anita Zorzetto(11W), Alexandra Dyer(12L), Lucinda Byrne(11L), and Jared Moore (BGS) performed a variety of solos with cameo appearances by former student Jenny Khafagi and Mr Craig Dabelstein. With standing room only, it was a splendid night where the highly developed talents of the Music Staff, students, parents and friends were displayed for a most appreciative and discerning audience. One thousand dollars was raised from donations on the evening for the benefit of the Leukaemia Foundation.

HAMLET

On a more personal note, this production of Hamlet not only gave me a passion for Shakespeare, but the opportunity to work with a wonderfully creative team. This was one of my most enjoyable experiences at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, possibly even the most. This was an amazing production, both to be in and for audiences to see. One can only hope that there will be many

and dramatic. Much discussion was made in reference to the characters and their purposes in the play leaving the cast with unique and original ways to develop their characters. As a member of the cast, I saw the amount of work and tireless effort put into making this wonderful performance. The costumes, lighting, sound, set and months of rehearsal all required a great deal of work from the cast and crew; however, the end result made all the hard work worth it. The performances were exhilarating and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels intensely proud of what we achieved.

What started with a few mumbled words in an audition and some awkward costume fittings soon festooned into one of the most stunning productions ever performed by GRIT. Hamlet , directed by Mr Michael Beh and performed by a talented cast and crew from Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School was a play to be remembered. Months of work in Suzuki workshops helped provide the surreal atmosphere throughout the play and the cast’s hard work to understand the complex Shakespearean language made the performance colourful

more Hamlet’s to come. Lauren Williams (12M)