To close the 2025 IGS Competition Series, students from Years 3 to 11 performed this week in the annual IGS Instrumental Competition, held across Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions. This much-loved event has become a highlight of the Music Calendar, showcasing the exceptional instrumental talent found across the School.
With performances spanning violin, recorder, bass guitar, cello, acoustic guitar, vibraphone and saxophone, students presented polished and personal interpretations of an impressive range of repertoire. Guided by their instrumental tutors, each performer demonstrated technical command and musical sensitivity, while exploring the expressive possibilities of their chosen instrument.
This year’s adjudicator was Dr Nicholas Russoniello, an award-winning Australian composer and instrumentalist, widely recognised for his innovative contributions to contemporary performance. A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and a leading figure in Australian saxophone artistry, Dr Russoniello has enjoyed a distinguished career as a soloist, chamber musician, composer and educator. His work spans both classical and cross-genre styles, and he is celebrated not only for his virtuosic performance but also for his original compositions, including works for loop station and solo instrumental performance. His feedback on the night offered students valuable professional insight into musical interpretation, tone production and building confidence in performance practice.
As the IGS Instrumental Competition continues to grow, it remains a well-loved event of the Music Program, nurturing confident instrumentalists, strengthening their technical skills, and preparing them for future performances.
The overall winner of the IGS Competition was Year 8 student Dara H. An interesting note is that Dara recently represented IGS at OSIC (Oz School Instrumental Championships) competition in NSW in August and has been selected to compete at the National Competition in Melbourne at the end of November. A tremendous achievement for such an incredibly talented musician! We wish Dara all the very best as he prepares his repertoire for this prestigious competition that represents young and emerging instrumentalists across Australia.
Junior Division (Years 5 and 6)
- Winner | Kayla V (Recorder)
- Runner-Up | Ferdinand P (Bass Guitar)
Intermediate Division (Yrs 7 to 9)
- Winner | Dara H (Acoustic Guitar)
- Runner-Up | Leo C (Violin)
Senior Division (10-12)
- Winner | Elin S (Vibraphone)
- Runner-Up | Benedict R (Saxophone)
A special thank you to Darren Kuilenburg Director of Music and the Music Tutors for coaching such competent young musicians, and to IGS Artist in Residence, Mr Joshua Cheng, for his outstanding accompaniment and musical support for each finalist, last night and across all the competitions this year.
Congratulations to all performers!