During the University break, while the College is quieted by the absence of most of our beloved residents, it takes on a new life hosting social justice and charitable work projects.

This year, Christopher Bennett, President of Symphony For Life Foundation, along with our Rector, Dr Mark Schembri, filled the halls, libraries and corridors of the College with music played by members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra who mentored children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds and limited range of opportunities across NSW. This includes children with difficulty accessing educational and cultural activities due to remoteness or lack of awareness of opportunities. 

Aligned by our collective purpose in providing education and uplift to all, St John’s College and Symphony For Life came together to realise a unique vision of charity and music to those from many diverse communities.

Over two days at St John’s College, students played their own instruments and received free tuition from some of Australia’s best musicians, including current members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra: Christopher Pidcock (Cello), Victoria Bihun (Violin), Marianne Edwards (Violin), Rebecca Gill (Violin), Alex Norton (Violin), Justin Williams (Viola), and Richard Lynn (Double Bass), led by Christopher Bennett (Conductor).

However, the students we also introduced to instruments outside of their regular repertoire, including xylophone and other percussion instruments, in order to broaden the students’ understanding and conceptualisation of music.

This joint initiative by St John’s College and Symphony For Life underscores our commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting educational opportunities for young people. By partnering with Symphony For Life and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, we aim to enrich the lives of students through music, offering them a platform to explore new instruments and receive mentorship from esteemed musicians. This collaboration not only aligns with our values of inclusivity and cultural enrichment but also reinforces our dedication to contributing positively to society, ensuring that our College remains a beacon of learning and social responsibility in the broader community. Music truly remains one of the great ways to do this, and the College is so very fortunate to be able to work with such esteemed professionals.