On Saturday June 29, the day after a busy Term 2 concluded, 22 girls and 3 staff took to the skies bound for Italy for 12 days of musical adventures.

After a long journey we arrived in Florence and spent the first day settling in, and visiting the nearby town of Pisa, where the girls visited the famous leaning tower.

The next five days were all business as we performed in several stunning locations around Florence and took part in the Fun and Music Festival – Colours of the World.

On Thursday July 4, the Award ceremony took place in front of the famous Duomo and the girls performed in what is surely to be the most spectacular concert venue of their lives.

The Tour Choir were awarded a special prize from the jury for their repertoire set (featuring predominantly Australian music) and the Tour Band took out the overall prize for the festival. All 22 students took part in both the band and the choir and their collective efforts are to be applauded.

We then travelled to Venice where the girls performed in a further two concerts, including a formal choir performance in the church San Stae, and the other much more informal, outside in the Campo Sant’ Agnese.

Following these two performances, the performing aspect of the tour was complete, allowing the girls to relax and enjoy the culture, the city and some amazing musical experiences that will remain with us all forever, including a visit to La Fenice Opera House for a guided tour and attending Aida at Verona Arena.

The final two days of the tour took us north, across the Swiss alps (where snow was still visible!) and to the incredibly picturesque town of Montreux. Blessed with the most incredible weather, we spent 2 days at the Montreux Jazz Festival before embarking on the long journey home.

Needless to say, the 12 days spent abroad were full of the most incredible experiences. The girls represented Wilderness at the highest level in every possible way and I am incredibly proud of our students and grateful to have the opportunity to take our students on a tour that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

To Miss Paige York and Mrs Ruth Shrimpton who travelled with me, I thank them for their time and energy in putting together a wonderful tour!

Ms Anna Lenartowicz
Head of Music