Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2022

Community Spirit The unifying force of music

Mr Paul Johnston Assistant Director of Instrumental Music (Acting)

Music is a unifying force across the globe, and particularly at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. There is nothing more uplifting, soul-inspiring, and life-affirming than the resounding joy expressed by the multitude of musical ensembles that honour the fine tradition of music making within our white picket fence.

The BGGS International Women’s Day Concert affords us the opportunity to celebrate the enormously inspiring contribution that women composers and musicians have made, and continue to make, to the world of music performance We are motivated by addressing the statistical anomaly that shows us fewer than five per cent of repertoire performed by professional orchestras is by female composers To do our part to counter this, we choose to commission, champion, and feature professional female composers’ works as well as the work of our current and past students Cathedral Concert is consistently one of our most popular events, not only in the musical calendar, but for the wider School The afternoon concert is a serene experience where the sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows as the music warmly washes over us The experience of the seemingly endless resonance of the Cathedral is one that cannot be authentically ▶

It is our people who comprise the most crucial element of the signature events we witness, such as Gala Concert, Cathedral Concert, and International Women’s Day. Our students (past and present), staff, and families, all endeavour to deliver joyous and enriching performance opportunities for the BGGS community Without our people, the walls of the concert halls remain silent, our rehearsal spaces are empty caverns, and the music would never reach the hearts of the audience In our signature performances, the BGGS community offers a place of sanctity, vibrant energy, quiet reflection, and blazing passion. Whether it is the mighty empowerment of musical women at the International Women’s Day event, the warm embrace of the acoustics of St John’s Cathedral, or the enthralling fire of the Gala Concert finale, there is something for all in every performance

above left Irene Shim (11G) at Cathedral Concert above right 2022 Gala Concert, Luminescence

Gazette

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

12

Issue 2, 2022