Eisteddfod — a Welsh tradition rooted in music, art, and literary performance through ranked competitions. It’s a word many might skim past without a second thought, yet it carries a legacy of cultural celebration and creative expression. At Macleans, we’re honoured to embrace Eisteddfod as a cornerstone of our school spirit. From June 23rd to June 26th, students were given the opportunity to step away from academics and connect with something deeper: music, dance and art. Whether it’s the alluring harmonies of choirs, the sweeping melodies of orchestras, or the electrifying energy of dance, Eisteddfod gifts us these grand moments — moments where we come together to showcase and celebrate the artistic talent within Macleans College.
Eisteddfod began on Monday June 23rd with the vocal and dance showcase. The opening act featured a group performance by the NDC Team, who danced to false confidence by Noah Kahan. A piece that portrayed the picture of raw emotions and vulnerability. Their extravagant performance blended strength with subtlety, offering a promising and hopeful tone for a week of meaningful artistry.
Next performance was the Macleans College Chorale, their presence filled the stage showcasing both emotional depth and technical precision. Their set list included Pure Imagination, Sicut Cervus, La Monja Blanca, Sunday, Voice of Oceans, Tate Le Fia Manatua. Their voices melted together like butter on a hot pan. With every harmony, they painted a vivid soundscapes. Leaving the audience moved and in awe.
I thoroughly enjoyed performing with MCC, we were all so excited to share our work with everyone. One of my favourite performances was the concert band, the clarinet solos were so impressive and the flute part was particularly beautiful. It was obvious that everyone worked very hard to deliver a good performance!
Anonymous
For the last performance of the day, the Showquest team brought life to the stage with their moving interpretation of the theme ‘Sonder’. Through the smooth operation of expressive choreography, lighting, and costume, they executed the show with grace and talent, knitting together a story so complex and rich it made the audience roar in cheer. The Showquest team successfully wrapped up Day One of Eisteddfod.
Eistedfodd is such an exciting week I look forward to yearly. Performing brings me and my friends so much joy and it feels great to be on the stage doing what I love. It was such a great opportunity to perform to not only the school community but display the talent and artistic ability of every of us individuals. Whether it be, dance, vocal, or instrumental showcases; we were able to recognise and appreciate the many performing arts groups Macleans offers!
Naomi Kwan
Day Two of Eisteddfod was dedicated to the All Comers Choir Showcase. The opening act featured a mixed choir – Knights of the Castle. Their performance included O Quam Gloriosum, Olivia, and Stodola Pumpa. With strong delivery and presence, they brought both charm and energy to the stage.
Eisteddfod is definitely an experience, especially performing in a choir like Knights of the Castle where it’s made up of males so Ella and I stand out quite a lot but it’s really fun getting on stage in front of our friends and family, performing songs that we worked hard at. I definitely recommend it if it’s open to more girls next year.
Helen Jia
Following their performance, Aria brought their angelic and elegant voices to the spotlight. Their beautiful set list included Hine e Hine, Stuttering Lovers, and Seal Lullaby. With impressive vocal control and emotional depth, they filled the auditorium with a rich and heartfelt atmosphere.
Eisteddfod was definitely a journey. The anticipation of the performance means the wait to get on stage was filled with nerves, and the event in itself was honestly an experience – being able to sit together with your choir friends, fool around, and make memories is definitely going to be a highlight of term 2. Thank you to Dr. Miles, Mrs. Burnett, Mrs. Mcnabb and all the teachers for their support and conduction of the event! And naturally, special shoutout to Mrs. Swasbrook for being the amazing conductor of Senior Aria.
Ellen Wu
Closing the night’s showcase was Aria Junior, who gifted us ethereal music through their set list: Dies Irae, Carry the Light, and Ave Maria. Their clarity, focus, and expressive tone left a lasting impression, ending Day Two on a note of grace and quiet power.
The Year 9 Eisteddfod was such a fun and inspiring experience! Everyone showed amazing talent and teamwork — I’m so proud of what we achieved together.
Amy
The year 9 Eisteddfod was very good and we were very proud of ourselves. I felt nervous before I was on the stage, but when I was on the stage, I could see lots of the audience. So everyone did a very great job and all were doing our best.
Myra Yue
Day three of Eisteddfod shifted the focus to the Band’s Showcase. Opening the day was the Symphonic Band whose set featured The Great Locomotive Chase, Amazing Grace, Byzantine Dances, and The Planets. The band successfully created their own atmosphere from their rich tempo, making their mark in the audience’s minds.
Band made me realise how different in styles it is compared to orchestra.
Charlie Pang
Following them was the Concert Band, who brought energy to stage with their set list Zenith, the playful Pie in the Face Polka, Beelzebub, featuring a jaw-dropping solo by Daniel Hulley, and Apollo: Myth and Legend. Their powerful dynamics wrapped their performance in drama and glory. The range of instrumental talent and emotions displayed throughout day three proofs that music doesn’t need lyrics to speak volumes.
Eisteddfod is fun as always.
Emma Li
Day four and also the final day of Eisteddfod 2025 was wrapped up by the Orchestra Showcase. First to perform was Sinfonietta, presenting a vibrant and expressive set: Dance of the Tumblers, Romeo and Juliet Overture, Waltz of the Flowers, and Into the Storm. Sinfonietta manage to paint scenes of beauty, power and intensity. Setting a promising tone for the closing night.
Sinfonietta gave me such good memories as a first-time orchestra player. The rehearsals leading up to the performance were intense, but totally worth it. Being part of it made me realise the beauty, and the incredible technical coordination behind how an orchestra truly works.
Jocosa Lin
The Chamber Orchestra followed with a performance of Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor (Movement I) by Bach. Their playing were both delicate and complex, with the music weaving in and out in the air, they not only showcased their flawless technical skill but also their precision, unity, and musical sensitivity.
We had lots of intense rehearsals in the weeks leading up to the performance. we were all slightly nervous about how the night would go, but we all worked together well and the performance went smoothly. We’re looking forward to the rest of our performances this year
Clare Wang
Closing the showcase was the Symphony Orchestra, who took the audience on a journey through The Lion King, Opening Night, and Cadence Everlasting. With cinematic power, their final note lingered the air echoing with pride, passion and power. The perfect ending that celebrated not just performance, but the timeless power of music.
Everyone showed great musicality, teamwork and effort to achieve cohesive, meaningful performances.
Daniel Chan
The impressive performances of Eisteddfod left nothing but good times and fun memories.
Audience
As the last note disappeared in the air and the curtains closed on Eisteddfod 2025, remained was the shared emotions, hourless of practices, and the beauty of performing art that lives within. Eisteddfod 2025 proved once again that music and art have the power to unite us, not just as performers, but as a community.
A heartfelt congratulations to every musician and singer who took part in Eisteddfod, your talent and dedication lit up the stage. A huge thank you as well to the teachers behind the scenes who made it all possible.
23rd July, 2025
Written by Jocosa Lin, edited by Emma Li
Photography by: Emma Li, Chiron Yung, Salvador Vantacich, Joseph Zhang
