Singing Sistas is an annual choral music festival that is hosted by the St Mary’s Music department. Last term we enjoyed two evenings of music, which allowed choirs from various girls’ schools to share their choral programmes. The philosophy of the Singing Sistas festival is not to compete, but to present each school’s talent and nurture camaraderie between the sister schools. This is always a vibrant, unifying cultural event that feeds the soul.

On the first evening, St Mary’s was joined by Assumption Convent School, St Andrew’s School for Girls, Brescia House School, and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. On the second evening St Stithians Girls’ College, Kingsmead College, St Teresa’s School and St Mary’s featured on the programme. Each school brought its own unique approach and spirit to the music performed. The final items on both nights were two combined choral pieces.

Unongqawuse, a traditional isiZulu song, and an arrangement of the Celtic song The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun, were performed. St Mary’s string and flute ensemble and two pianos accompanied with vigour.

This occasion allowed all to demonstrate their talents, and the girls showed great support for one another. All in all, it was a most memorable experience for all involved!

Cwenga Koyana

Form V – head of choir