The school concert that is truly spectacular

Arts & Entertainment Events Scene

Rita Bratovich
September 12, 2022

Image: Schools Specactular 2019 at Qudos Bank Arena. Picture: Anna Warr

The annual Schools Spectacular amateur variety show returns to the big stage of Qudos Bank Arena this year with its most impressive production yet. Celebrating its 39^th year, this unique event (possibly the only one of its kind in the world) showcases the talents of students kindergarten to Year 12, and teachers from public schools across NSW.

This year’s show will feature students and teachers from more than 350 NSW public schools: a 2,100-voice choir; 2,200 dancers; a 100-piece symphony orchestra; 45 featured artists plus more than 250 students involved in singing choirs, stage bands, VET entertainment crew and specialist ensembles.

Apart from the inaugural show in 1983, the concerts have been broadcast by a major television network each year, initially by ABC, then 9 Network, and now Channel 7.

From 1993 onwards, every concert has had a theme.

“This year the show is aptly named Creating the Magic as the Schools Spectacular is the embodiment of the magic and inspiration of the arts and education,” explains Schools Spectacular executive producer, Richard Spiewak.

Schools Spectacular has very high production values and the students who participate are exceptionally talented, with many having gone on to compete on Australian Idol and other talent shows, or received roles in major theatre productions including Hamilton, Jagged Little Pill, An American in Paris, and Phantom of the Opera.

SpecFest is a recently introduced feature of the event that is likely to be a fixture. It’s a food and entertainment zone in an enclosed area outside Qudos Bank Arena that gives students, families and friends a space to chillout, chat, and enjoy the atmosphere. SpecFest will also feature the final rounds of the rural and remote band competition, Surround Sound on the main stage.