National Music Festival Triumph
Proud hosts of the 23rd Australian Combined Schools Music Festival
Westminster delivered a world-class musical experience over the weekend, proudly hosting the 23rd Australian Combined Schools Music Festival (ACSMF) — a national showcase of more than 400 exceptional student musicians from across the country.
The four-day Festival culminated in a sold-out Gala Concert on Sunday 22 June in the Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts, earning standing ovations for its ambitious repertoire and collaborative spirit.
Featuring a combined Festival Wind Ensemble, Choir and Symphony Orchestra, the concert showcased the very best of young Australian musicianship.
A standout moment of the evening was the world premiere of Windy River, composed by Adelaide’s David Lang and performed by a 210-voice Youth Chorus comprising students in Years 5 to 8 from Westminster, Immanuel College, Wilderness School and St Peter’s Woodlands.
The Festival also marked the Australian debut of works conducted by an exceptional international team:
- Dr Joanne Heaton, Head of Bands at Haileybury, Melbourne
- Jeffrey A. Spenner, Assistant Director of the United States Coast Guard Band
- Victoria Longdon, Principal Conductor of the Covent Garden Chorus and Assistant Chorus Director of the London Philharmonic Choir
Westminster’s Director of Music, Mike Degenhart, described the Festival as an extraordinary celebration of music.
“It was truly inspiring to witness the depth of talent, commitment and musical maturity displayed by students over the four days,” Mr Degenhart said.
“The Festival created an environment where young musicians could immerse themselves in professional-level rehearsals, guided by conductors of international acclaim. For many, it was their first experience performing such technically demanding and artistically rich repertoire — the kind rarely attempted in school settings.
I know that every one of our musicians will carry the lessons of this experience well into the future, both on and off the stage.”
More than 100 Westminster families generously opened their homes to host 200 visiting students from 13 interstate schools across Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Perth.
“An event of this scale simply wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our families. Their generosity in hosting interstate students and assisting behind the scenes made this Festival not just successful but truly memorable.”
With a legacy spanning more than two decades, the Australian Combined Schools Music Festival continues to set the benchmark for school-based music.
Westminster School is proud to have played a leading role in the success of the 2025 event, reinforcing its reputation as a national leader in youth music education.