390 students
54 teachers
22 international schools
7 Dulwich College International schools
109 Dulwich College International students

These are just some of the impressive numbers relating to this year’s annual International School Choral Music Society (ISCMS) Music Festival, which took place in January. Co-hosted by Dulwich College Suzhou and Dulwich International High School Suzhou, this marked the 11th anniversary of ISCMS since it started 10 years ago hosted by Dulwich College Beijing.

Students from around Asia-Pacific came together for three days of intensive rehearsals with world-renowned musicians, culminating in a gala concert at the Suzhou Culture and Art Centre where they performed the classic Carmina Burana. Jason, a Year 11 student at Dulwich College Beijing and recipient of the Jenkins Composition Award, composed one of the two original pieces for the gala concert.

Students also had the opportunity to work with several notable musicians. The esteemed Dr Robert Hasty, music director of the Merit Symphony Orchestra in Chicago, led as the Orchestral Director for ISCMS. Also lending her voice as lead soprano was Juliet Petrus, often recognised as the top Western interpreter of Chinese classical music. Ms Petrus was just recently a featured performer on CCTV’s 2018 Spring Festival Celebration program.

Jemina, a Year 8 student at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi, commented: “The ISCMS festival was so challenging but I loved it. Working with professional musicians inspired me to try my hardest and I was proud to be part of the final performance. I can’t wait for next year."

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