On the evening of February 12, over 150 students took to the stage at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium to share in a powerful musical experience. The Gloria concert was a remarkable achievement—a unique and special event, particularly given the current challenges facing music education across the country. It brought together choir, band, and strings in a single, seamless performance, showcasing not only the depth of talent within our music program but also the extraordinary level of collaboration and dedication required to make such an event possible.
The program itself was a celebration of musical diversity and storytelling. The evening included a choral work by Cree-Dene composer Sherryl Sewepagaham, grounding the evening in the power of music as a reflection of identity and tradition. The band transported us to the English countryside with Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite, work that honours the folk traditions passed down through generations. Tchaikovsky’s Elegy for Strings provided a moment of deep contemplation, its lush harmonies a poignant reminder of music’s ability to express what words cannot. Finally, our choir and string players joined forces for two movements from Vivaldi’s Gloria, filling the auditorium with soaring choral lines and Baroque brilliance—a fitting and triumphant conclusion to an unforgettable evening.
Bringing these ensembles together in one performance was no small feat. It requires not only technical excellence from each musician but also a shared vision, an ability to listen, and a willingness to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The level of artistry and cohesion we achieved was something truly special, and it speaks to the strength of the SMUS music program, the dedication of our students and faculty, and the unwavering support of our school.
“Music is a rich art form: music is math, music is physics, music is history, music is philosophy, music is language, music is drama, music is imagination and visualization, music is body coordination and awareness, music is spirituality, and above all else, music is love. Music represents an endless source of knowledge and lifelong learning possibilities, and most importantly, joy. We are so fortunate to work in a school that believes in its intrinsic value and provides endless opportunities for its students to explore and develop their passion for this art form.”
The concert was more than just a performance; it was a statement—one that affirmed the power of music to unite, inspire, and transcend. To everyone who took part in this incredible evening, thank you. Your passion, hard work, and commitment to musical excellence made Gloria an experience we will never forget.
Choir - Ms. Banman
Spektor, The Call (arr. Gryba)
Solo: Cate Pontefract, Accompanist: Evan Fryer
Sewepagaham, Kahkiyaw Oskâyak (All the Young People)
Cook, They Are Mother
Accompanist: Evan Fryer
Band - Mr. Farish
Moss, Jamaica Farewell
Bocook, The Music of James Bond
Benedict, Carnival of Venice (arr. Arban, Vinson)
Williams, English Folk Song Suite
Strings - Ms. Stel.la Guillén Fàbregas
Handel, Entrance of the Queen of Sheba
Soloists: Jonathan and Janette Ooi
Mendelsshon, Symphony No. 7 for Strings
Tchaikovsky, Serenade for Strings in C Major
Choir & Strings
Vivaldi, Gloria, Et in Terra Pax
Guest players: Jaden Berger-North and Jonathan Ooi
