The College Choir had the privilege of working with Head of the Opera School at the University of Queensland, Mr Nicholas Cleobury on Thursday 13 October. Part of a series of workshops and individual coaching sessions hosted by the Music department, working with Nicholas was an immense pleasure and an invaluable learning experience for all. Nicholas has had a distinguished career all over the world. He began his musical career as a chorister and organ scholar himself, and then became an esteemed conductor of Opera, orchestral and choral music. His generosity of spirit, gentle wisdom and ability to communicate with the students in an affirming and constructive manner made the experience invaluable to the students and the staff involved. One of the things that will remain with us all were his insightful words – “We change lives with this wonderful thing that we have … This matters.”

Ms Cheryl Priest
Newington College Choir