Night of a Thousand Stars: Abbotsleigh’s 140th Anniversary Concert shines bright at the Sydney Opera House
On Tuesday 20 May 2025, the iconic Sydney Opera House became the location for a spectacular celebration as Abbotsleigh marked its 140th anniversary with Night of a Thousand Stars, a dazzling musical tribute to the School’s rich history and vibrant present. With matinee and evening performances, students from Years 5 to 12 joined forces in an extraordinary display of musical artistry and connection.
Held in one of Australia’s most iconic venues, the concert brought together hundreds of student performers across choirs, orchestras, ensembles, and dancers, demonstrating the depth and breadth of talent nurtured at Abbotsleigh. It was a night that honoured both tradition and innovation, showcasing the School’s longstanding commitment to excellence in music education.
The program opened with a moving Acknowledgement of Country and an exuberant performance of André Campra’s Rigaudon by the brass ensemble and organ. The audience was then treated to highlights including Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor featuring soloist Scarlett Li, Matthew Hindson’s Makedonsko Oro, and an exhilarating rendition of the Star Wars Suite.
A centrepiece of the evening was the world premiere of The Hive’s Caper by Harry Sdraulig, Abbotsleigh’s Composer-in-Residence. Specially commissioned for the anniversary, the work captured the bustling energy of a beehive-a powerful metaphor for the Abbotsleigh community – and was performed with finesse by the quartet.
Equally compelling was the full school performance of The Arafura by Dan Walker, featuring internationally renowned didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton. The piece evoked the spirit and soundscape of the Australian landscape and drew enthusiastic applause.
Singer-songwriter and Abbotsleigh Old Girl Amy Nelson (AOG 2017), also known as Little Green, added a contemporary and emotional layer to the evening. Her original works, including Night of a Thousand Stars and Alien, explored themes of connection, memory, and care for the planet, and were performed in collaboration with student instrumentalists, vocalists and dancers.
Other memorable moments included Eric Whitacre’s theatrical Godzilla Eats Las Vegas!, the jazzy warmth of Nature Boy, and Ēriks Ešenvalds’ ethereal Stars – during which the Concert Hall was illuminated entirely by tealight candles held by students, creating a soft sea of flickering light. The effect was mesmerising, further enhanced by the haunting resonance of water-tuned glasses played by choir members – an atmospheric, almost otherworldly soundscape transfixed the audience.
The evening concluded with a rousing performance of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and our school song To Abbotsleigh. Former Deputy Headmistress, and author of the To Abbotsleigh lyrics, Mrs Robyn Claydon was in the audience during the matinee, and received a rousing ovation when she was honoured by Mrs Krimmer from the podium before the performance.
Reflecting on the event, Headmistress Megan Krimmer wrote: “The girls will treasure the memory of performing in the Opera House forever – as will I. It was an absolute triumph!”
A Night of a Thousand Stars was a luminous testament to the enduring spirit of Abbotsleigh – past, present, and future – and a fitting highlight in a milestone year of celebration.
