Our 2025 Showcase concert filled Sydney Town Hall with music, memory and meaning
On Wednesday 25 June, our students took to the stage for ‘Showcase 2025: Generations’, a powerful celebration of St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s 140th year.
In a concert that drew on our School’s musical roots and far-reaching legacy, over 600 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 took the stage alongside Old Andreans, Hessians, staff, parents and professional musicians. They united in a programme that honoured both tradition and transformation: powerful choral moments, iconic anthems, Western Art Music, musical theatre and vibrant works by women and First Nations-inspired voices.
This year’s theme, Generations, drew upon the enduring metaphor of a tree, inspired by the native flora of Gadigal Country.
“This year’s theme, Generations, drew upon the enduring metaphor of a tree, inspired by the native flora of Gadigal Country. The resilient Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea) stands as a symbol of deep-rooted connection, identity and withstanding seasons and change; flourishing in an ever-changing landscape,” said Acting Director of Performing Arts, Mrs Dominique Haynes.
Following some moving pre-event performances, the evening opened with Sing! A Song for St Andrew’s by Ross Edwards – a specially commissioned piece from 2001 that captured the spirit of a School founded in 1885, for the musical and spiritual education of Cathedral choristers, and is still shaped by that vision today.
Next, the Junior Choir performed a touching rendition of Africa, made famous by the band Toto. The Wind Symphony then swept the audience up in a powerful performance of The Inferno from The Devine Comedy.
Attendees were treated to a joyful rendition of The Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun. This was proudly sung by the Community Choir which had formed specially for the event. It was made up of staff, Old Andreans, Hessians and parents from both St Andrew’s Cathedral School and Gawura School.
The Community Choir’s Conductor, Alumni Relations Manager Mr Richard Hansen, was suitably attired in a 1960s green coat, channelling The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club era. The coat was a nod to Mr Ralph Wilcock, Director of Music at the School from 2014 to 2018, and on staff since 2005. Ralph wore the same costume for a community choir number back in 2007 and was in the audience at the 2025 Showcase Concert.
From choral masterpieces and classical works to musical theatre and iconic hits, 16 different musical ensembles and choirs honoured the past and embraced the future. Performances included Water Night, Time After Time, Children, Go Where I Send Thee and Queen’s The Show Must Go On – each piece a reflection of creativity, connection and purpose.
“Showcase 2025 was a magnificent spectacle. Music at St Andrew’s Cathedral School is always more than a performance; it is an educational influence – a reminder of what it is to be fully human. This night was a true reflection of that,” said Head of School, Dr Julie McGonigle.
The evening included a tribute to former Director of Music, Mrs Chris Belshaw OAM (1958-2014), whose legacy continues to shape the musical community at the School. This special item included the return of prominent Belshaw era alumni, in James Yoo (OA2006), Amelia Rutherford (OA2002) and Oshiro brothers Manasseh (OA2011) and Noah (OA2018), who were conducted by Yosiah Oshiro (OA2013). They performed Hadyn’s Violoncello Concerto with recent alumni, staff and current students. This musical piece is fondly remembered as ‘quintessentially Mrs Belshaw’.
There was also much excitement for the announcement of the highly anticipated 2026 musical, revealed as Disney’s Mary Poppins!
To our students, staff, tutors, conductors, choreographers and families — thank you.
Showcase 2025 was more than a performance. It was a celebration of who we have been, who we are and who we are becoming.
