In June 2024, International Grammar School (IGS) celebrated 40 years of progressive bilingual education, creativity and unity with a stage show that included the inaugural performance of a new school anthem.
The grand anniversary celebration, Vive la Révolution!, held at the iconic ICC Sydney Theatre in Darling Harbour, wasn’t only a celebration of IGS’s impressive history since its founding in 1984. It was a heartfelt tribute to the connections and diversity that make this school unique, while also looking boldly toward the future.
From the moment the evening began, the atmosphere was electric. Both the audience and performers, comprised students, staff, alums, families, and the wider IGS community, filling the Aware Super Theatre with an energy and joy that was palpable. As people settled into their seats, there was a shared sense of anticipation for what was to come: a powerful display of artistic talent and an outpouring of IGS spirit. The celebration was more than just a concert – it was an affirmation of everything IGS stands for: inclusivity, creativity, diversity, and academic excellence.
The event opened with a stirring Acknowledgement of Country, a powerful reminder of the importance of First Nations culture. With music composed by Mr Harry Sdraulig, this moving tribute set the tone for the evening. It was a recognition of the land of the Gadigal on which IGS stands.
Principal Ms Shauna Colnan presented an opening address, reflecting on the school’s legacy and its enduring impact over the last four decades. Her words resonated with the audience as she spoke about the core values that have defined IGS from its inception.
“IGS has always been a place where diversity is not only respected but celebrated,” she said. “As we mark 40 years of excellence in education, we are reminded that our school’s strength lies in the bonds we create, the values we uphold, and the voices we amplify.” IGS head students and others gave powerful narrations at pivotal moments throughout the evening.
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments was the return of internationally acclaimed vocalist and IGS alum, Ms Mi-kaisha Masella. A former IGS Head Girl and Indigenous Scholar, Mi-kaisha flew in from New York City to perform for the IGS community, and her presence alone was a testament to the strength of the school’s impact on its students. Mi-kaisha is a powerful voice for First Nations communities, using her platform as an Aboriginal and Pacific Islander artist to advocate for Indigenous rights. Her soulful rendition of her single Eternity left the audience spellbound, her powerful storytelling through song encapsulating the essence of the night. The performance was a celebration of community, culture, and the arts – pillars of the IGS experience.
“The arts have always been at the heart of IGS,” Mi-kaisha remarked after her performance. “The school’s commitment to fostering creativity and giving young people a platform to express themselves has been pivotal in shaping who I am today.”
The concert was a vibrant showcase of artistic talent. IGS Festival Ensembles, formed specifically for the occasion, performed an array of pieces that spanned genres and styles. From classical music to contemporary works, the ensembles displayed the musical excellence that has been nurtured at IGS for decades. One standout piece, Earthbound by composer Ms Ella Macens, explored themes of connection to land and a deep respect for the natural environment.
One of the most moving performances of the night was Orange Tree, a composition that honoured the life of IGS alum Valerio De Simoni, who passed away tragically in 2011. The piece, filled with both sorrow and beauty, served as a poignant reminder of the lasting ties that bind the IGS community together. It illustrated that even though students come and go, the sense of belonging they feel to IGS and to each other remains strong.
Among the evening’s many memorable moments was the introduction of the new school anthem, United Through Diversity, composed by acclaimed Australian composer Mr Paul Jarman. Performed for the first time by the IGS Festival Choir, the anthem served as a powerful reflection of the school’s long-standing values of unity, inclusion, and collaboration. The performance embodied the spirit of the evening, echoing the school’s commitment to shaping a brighter future through bilingual education and the arts. As the final notes reverberated through the theatre, the audience responded with resounding applause, recognising the significance of this heartfelt musical debut.
The diversity of the evening’s performances mirrored the diversity of the IGS community itself. From the classical strains of the IGS Festival Ensembles to the contemporary choreography of IGS Alum Mr Jono Riesel’s dance to Mr Jon Batiste’s Freedom, every performance reflected the freedom of expression and collaboration that have long been hallmarks of the school. The musical extracts from Les Misérables were a rousing reflection of the IGS ethos.
As the night drew to a close, Principal Ms Colnan offered heartfelt thanks to everyone who brought us an unforgettable night. To our performers – student and families, the artistic and creative team, Director Mr Darren Kuilenburg, and all who worked so hard behind the scenes. “This is what 40 years of IGS looks like,” Ms Colnan said, “Here’s to many more years of unity, diversity, and creativity.”
Vive la Révolution! was not just a celebration of the past but a bold statement about the future. IGS has long been a place where creativity, inclusivity, and academic excellence intersect, and this anniversary concert was a testament to the school’s ongoing mission to inspire and empower the next generation of global citizens.
The legacy of IGS, built over 40 years, continues to shine brightly.
