MORE than 400 students from 21 different Riverland and Mallee schools will come together in harmony next month for an annual music event.
The 25th Riverland Primary Schools’ Music Festival (RPSMF) will take place at Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre over a period of three days: Tuesday, August 10, Wednesday, August 11, and Thursday, August 12.
Each night will see a massed choir – singing harmony, solos and unison – accompanied by locals Jo Dixon or Catherine Heuzenroeder on the piano, and a band conducted by Ben Lanio, of Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium.
The conductor roll will be shared between locals Cathy Miegel and Cindy Ridley.
RPSMF regional co-ordinator Joanna Whitehead said she looks forward to this year’s event.
“A different group of assisting artists will add variety to the festival each night, such as vocalists, dance, bands and other instrumentalists,” she said.
“This year we have a number of returning performers who have previously been involved with RPSMF and are returning to help us celebrate 25 years of the festival.”
Ms Whitehead said there was a varied repertoire of songs, and commissioned work written especially for the festival.
“This year our commissioned work is based on ‘water is life’,” she said.
“The songs follow the importance of water to South Australia and how it is part of the history of our state and future.
“We have a talented group of students performing in various solo roles.”
To purchase a ticket to this year’s festival, visit https://www.countryarts.org.au/venues/chaffey-theatre/ or the Chaffey Theatre box office.