CANBERRA Grammar School is hosting over 300 young musicians from around the country for the 20th Australian Combined Schools Music Festival, starting today (June 14).

It is the fifth time, since the festival’s inception, that Grammar has been the venue for the event, which will comprise three days of intensive rehearsals and avid music-making, culminating in a festival concert in the Great Hall of Parliament House this Saturday.

This year the event will feature three top conductors, Ingrid Martin conducting the Festival Concert Band, Sam Allchurch directing the Festival Choir and Benjamin Northey conducting the Combined Festival Orchestra, the Festival Choir and the Ragazzi Choir.

Young musicians will be attending from Ascham School, Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Brisbane Grammar School, Burgmann Anglican School, Canberra Girls Grammar School, Canberra Grammar School, Radford College, Somerville House, Sydney Grammar School, Wesley College, and Westminster School.

Noted musical director and outspoken lobbyists for Australia’s music community, Richard Gill, has selected the orchestral repertoire and adjudicated the Fanfare Competition.

“Music is integral to the lives and educations of all students involved in the festival, and we are sure that these days together will extend and inspire them to new standards,” says Craig Woodland, CGS director of music and festival director.

“The festival concert is open to the public, and I would encourage anyone interested in music to attend.”

20th Australian Combined Schools Music Festival, at Canberra Grammar School, until June 17. Festival concert at The Great Hall, Parliament House, 6:30pm this Saturday, June 17, bookings to trybooking.com/book/event?eid=282263