We are excited to launch the International School of Performing Arts (ISPA) in Singapore in 2024, with a desire for more children to experience the enriching and lifelong benefits of a vibrant performing arts education.
For 40 years, the Australian School of Performing Arts (ASPA) has been delivering high quality performing arts programs and performance opportunities as part of the Australian Girls Choir (AGC) and ASPA Education school programs. This iconic cultural institution has built a glowing reputation with audiences in Australia and all around the world.
ISPA is born
In 2024, The International School of Performing Arts (ISPA) was established in Singapore. ISPA’s focus is on providing enriching music and performing arts opportunities through the Australian International Girls Choir (AIGC), Holiday Camps and Co-curricular Activities in a nurturing, inclusive and non-competitive learning environment. We believe we can play an important role in the holistic development develop of young people who positively contribute to the world. Parents frequently comment on the social benefits their child has gained through participation in our programs including the development of:
- Confidence
- Communication skills
- Emotional wellbeing
- Presentation skills
- Public speaking skills
- Resilience
- A sense of belonging to a diverse community who share similar interests and values.
We deeply value the strong, long-standing and vibrant bilateral relationship between Singapore and Australia and look forward to growing and sharing our love of performing arts with the Singapore community.
Our Australian story
The Australian Girls Choir (AGC) was established in 1984 by Judith Curphey OAM with the founding philosophy that “every child can learn to sing with encouragement and training”. What began with 150 girls in a small Melbourne suburb has since evolved into a thriving female-led choir, with 6,500 girls learning to sing, dance and perform in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Girls build their confidence, make friends, and grow musically as members of the AGC, and regularly perform at Australia’s most prestigious venues, including the Sydney Opera House.
The AGC has performed at most major cultural and sporting events in the country including the Australian Open and Melbourne Cup. The AGC has also had the privilege of performing for dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, three Popes and former President Barack Obama. Additionally, the choir has undertaken 25 International Tours to many countries of the world, including two visits to Singapore.
The Australian School of Performing Arts
After experiencing the profound and positive impacts of the performing arts through the AGC, Judith was compelled to extend these opportunities to students and teachers and communities who may not otherwise have access to them through the Australian School of Performing Arts (ASPA). Since its establishment in 2009, ASPA Education has engaged thousands of participants in a wide variety of educational settings throughout Australia including: in-school music programs in regional schools that may not have access to specialist music teachers, early childhood programs, professional development workshops for teachers, productions of school musicals and concerts, and holiday programs (camps).
We are also proud to have established an official charity partner organisation, Girls from Oz, with our mission to improve education and employment outcomes for students in remote Australia, particularly Aboriginal girls and young women.
