From Singapore to the Sydney Opera House stage: Discover the incredible opportunities that await at the IGC
An international trip of any nature is a life changing experience for many. In our second year of operation in Singapore, our choristers have not only excelled in a number of extraordinary performances throughout the year, but have quite literally soared since embarking on an overseas musical adventure to Sydney as part of our inaugural International Girls Choir (IGC) Tour last November.
14 talented and wide eyed IGC choristers, who auditioned to join the tour group earlier in the year, had rehearsed for months and were bubbling with uncontainable excitement to board their flight to Sydney, with new musical opportunities on the horizon, many new friendships to be formed, and the chance to proudly represent Singapore on a global stage.
Read on as we relive the thrilling week leading up to the girls’ performance at the Sydney Opera House!
Discover the exciting opportunities that await for your daughter at the International Girls Choir by registering for Open House! Registration is free but booking is essential.
Welcome to Australia
After the long flight from Changi Airport to Sydney, there was an undeniable buzz of excitement as the IGC girls stepped foot on the tarmac of Sydney Airport. For many of the choristers, it was their first time ever visiting Australia, and the sunny skies did not disappoint. The iconic sights of the city were really setting the stage for an unforgettable experience in the local culture and musical landscape. From the Harbour Bridge to Manly Beach, and with the Opera House easily visible across the water, there was anticipation in the air. After a bit of exploring the stunning Darling Harbour and a bite to eat, it was time to get down to the music.
Coming together with our Australian sisters
With the Sydney Opera House performance fast approaching, the girls eagerly launched into rehearsals, joining their Australian Girls Choir sisters whom they will perform alongside on the iconic stage. Rehearsing together offered a rare opportunity to share musical experiences, styles, and ideas. For our IGC choristers especially, watching the slightly older Australian singers rehearse complex harmonies paired with dazzling choreography was truly inspiring. It perfectly embodied the ‘big girl, little girl’ role modelling at the heart of IGC, showing our choristers the performers they can aspire to become, while also fostering an international community united by a shared love of singing.
A mix of music and adventure
It wasn’t all singing and dancing of course, as the girls enjoyed numerous outings, meals and activities during their visit to this beautiful beach-side city. Some highlights shared throughout the week included meeting koalas at Taronga Zoo, soaking up the sun with a tasty ice-cream at Manly Beach, sightseeing and shopping through The Rocks and surrounding neighbourhood pockets, and so much more! The girls also enjoyed a rich cultural exchange with their host sisters, spending Saturday exploring the city and visiting iconic spots such as the Harbour Bridge and even the Blue Mountains! This meaningful part of the trip allowed them to discover a new part of the world while being warmly welcomed into families who share a passion for intercultural connection and music.
Admiralty House and the grand finale at the Sydney Opera House
Undoubtedly, one of the most significant moments of this trip included a visit to Admiralty House, alongside members of the Australian Girls Choir and their charity performing arts partner Girls from Oz. Australia’s Governor General Sam Moyston AM acknowledged the significance of the visit, given 2025 marked the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence and therefore a long standing relationship with modern Australia. It’s an experience unlike any other, and uniquely afforded through participating in an organisation like the IGC. In the words of the governor General herself during her speech when the girls visited:
“To all of you currently in the choir: look where your music and your connection with the world can take you—whether it’s back to communities in remote parts of the country or all around the world. That is a beautiful story.”
The tour culminated in a final, extraordinary afternoon of concerts performed at the Sydney Opera House. The performances, at this world class performing arts venue, was the ultimate moment of joy and pride for many of the girls on this trip. Hearing the incredible sound of hundreds of young voices on the Opera House stage for the first time was truly a moment to remember. Smiles and laughter certainly weren’t confined to the dressing rooms, as pure joy and elation filled the auditorium from the moment the lights went down and until the final note rung out.
Until next time, Sydney.
The lasting legacy that this tour will leave on our IGC choristers will not fade quickly. Inspired musically, and well-travelled through this beautiful city, this journey with the IGC has profoundly impacted the girls’ musicianship and social development, with new found independence, friends, and aspirations about where music might take them. Returning to Singapore, the IGC quickly dived back into carols performances and concerts at home, but the memories of this journey remain a defining milestone of the IGC. This experience has paved the way for future international tours, deeper cultural immersion, even stronger friendships and exciting new musical opportunities already on the horizon.
Discover the world of opportunities that await at Open House!
Learn how the performing arts can unlock your daughter’s potential at the IGC. Experience the International Girls Choir curriculum in action with a free class at our Open House, meet our expert tutors, and see how we nurture confidence, creativity, and emotional intelligence in every girl.
Register now for your free class!
