This year’s theme was Open to Change, reflecting both the changes DioSounds has undergone in its thirteen years of production and the values held by the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

In a first for the musical showcase, the production was opened and closed with performances from the newly established DioEnsemble. The group consisted of secondary students from a number of schools, nominated by their music teachers for their exemplary talent.

This initiative allowed students to have more time performing on stage and to have the chance to collaborate with like-minded peers from across the Diocese.

Another highlight was the return of students from St Dominic’s Centre, Mayfield who again performed as part of an inclusive choir with students from San Clemente High School, Mayfield.

Entertaining an audience of more than 2,300 across both a matinee and night performance, attendees were treated to covers of classics from the likes of Elvis Presley and Queen, to modern day hits from Lady Gaga, Little Mix and Hozier.

“Each year we are wonderfully entertained by our students who have the rare opportunity to experience performing in one of the nation’s iconic performing arts spaces, the Civic Theatre,” said Gerard Mowbray, Acting Director of Schools.

“Not only did we enjoy the creative talents of each school, but we also witnessed the schools coming together in community to perform.”

The performances included:

DioEnsemble

One Day More

Beds Are Burning

That’s Freedom

You’re the Voice

St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar

Don’t Stop Believing

Bohemian Rhapsody

St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen

Can’t Help Falling in Love

Love Me Tender

Jailhouse Rock

Burning Love

St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul

Change Your Life

We Are Young

Fire and the Flood

St Clare’s High School, Taree

Scene’s from an Italian Restaurant

Steer

St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton

Everybody’s Changing

This Little Babe from A Ceremony of Carols

Changing

St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton

Counting Stars

Stairway to Heaven

San Clemente High School, Mayfield

Supercut

Freedom

St Dominic’s Centre, Mayfield (featuring San Clemente students)

We’re All in This Together

St Mary’s Catholic College, Gateshead

Nina Cried Power

Shallow

All Saints’ College, Maitland

Don’t Stop

Toccata in D Minor

Shake it Out

St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm

Pressure

Dog Days are Over

St Pius X High School, Adamstown

Let’s Get Loud

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