On Tuesday 19 August, the University of Sydney’s Intercollegiate Palladian competition reached a new milestone with its largest-ever vocal ensemble performance. St Paul’s College once again distinguished itself, setting a record with over 170 undergraduate and postgraduate students participating in the “B” choral ensemble—an extraordinary demonstration of musical enthusiasm and collegiate spirit.
Under the direction of Dr Jack Stephens, Director of Music, the majority of these students were trained from the ground up, many with no prior choral experience. Their development was supported by seasoned members of the College’s Chapel Choir, fostering a culture of mentorship and musical excellence.
The highlight of the evening came from the College’s “A” choral group, whose refined and expressive performance of Ruth McColl’s arrangement of Waltzing Matilda earned First Place in the competition. Their rendition was praised for its musicality, cohesion, and emotional depth.
This marks the second consecutive year that St Paul’s has won the Group Vocal category, reinforcing its reputation for artistic leadership and community engagement within the Intercollegiate community.
Final Results:
- 🥇 St Paul’s College – 3 points
- 🥈 St Andrew’s College – 2 points (equal second)
- 🥈 Wesley College – 1 point (equal second)
This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of music, the strength of collective effort, and the enduring value of leadership in the arts
