ENSEMBLES 2023

Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School Choir

This touring choir is a condensed version of the Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School Senior Choir – Vox Populi, the largest school ensemble. The members are drawn from any student in Year Seven (13 years) to Year Twelve (18 years) who would like to sing. Our rehearsals are held weekly after school on Fridays. As one of the busiest music ensembles of the school, Vox Populi perform at major school concerts. In addition, they lead the singing at all school church services throughout the year, culminating in the Carol Service held in St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne. Previously members of the choir and orchestra toured China in 2013, visiting our sister school in Datong, and performing in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing. The choir is directed by Claire McDonald since 2000.

Claire McDonald

Director

Claire McDonald began her singing studies while still at high school. She received the Amelia Josceylene Full Scholarship when commencing studies at the Melba Conservatorium of Music and was conferred the Jean Robinson Award for the Dux of her first year. Claire continued her studies at the Victorian College of the Arts Opera Studio, learning and singing roles including Helena (A Midsummer Night's Dream - Britten), Violetta (La Traviata - Verdi), Alice Ford (Falstaff - Verdi) and Fiordiligi (Cosi fan Tutte - Mozart). She also sang the lead role of Pannochka (May Night - Rimsky-Korsakov) in her final year in the opera studio's major production. Claire is currently Instrumental Coordinator of Voice at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School. She is also in demand as a soloist in recitals and concert performances in local and regional areas. She is a founding member of the Westgarth Ensemble, an operatic quartet of female voices.

Celebration Program

Additional Concerts Program