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
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
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