Marymount Academy International Hits a High Note at Annual Spring Concert

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By Alena Hamlett

Montreal, May  23, 2025- On the evening of May 15, 2025, Marymount Academy International hosted its much-anticipated annual Spring Concert at the Côte Saint Luc Aquatic and Community Centre. The venue was packed with proud parents, friends, teachers, and family members, all gathered to celebrate the talents of Marymount’s students.

This year’s concert offered an intimate experience, as students performed without a traditional stage. The cozy setup brought the audience closer to the action, making the night feel personal and special. The beautiful spring evening buzzed with excitement as the audience filed into the auditorium and settled into their seats, while the students prepared for the evening’s performances.

The show kicked off with the Marymount Drama Club performing A French Chicken, a humorous play by Rex Thanh-Ly Nguyen, directed by Ms. N. Gural. The students had the audience laughing out loud with their energetic and entertaining performance. The drama fun continued with The Weird Dream, another crowd-pleasing act by the talented club.

The musical portion of the evening began with the String Ensemble, led by Ms. A. Kim. Their beautiful renditions included Minuet 1 by J.S. Bach, Canon by J. Pachelbel, Pirates of the Caribbean by Klaus Badelt, and La Folia by A. Corelli.

Ivan Bondarenko and Friends impressed the audience with powerful performances of Spider Dance, Scarlet Forest, Give My Regards to Broadway by George M. Cohan, Rio Bravo, Royal Crown March, Bag O’Blues, and Peome—a mix of classical, Broadway, and jazz pieces that showcased their versatility.

Next up, the Jazz Ensemble brought the swing with toe-tapping versions of Soul Bossa Nova by Quincy Jones, Mack the Knife by Kurt Weill, Take Five by Paul Desmond, Unholy by Sam Smith (arranged by M. Francis), and Ode to Joy by Beethoven (also arranged by M. Francis).

Adding a tropical twist, the Steel Pan group, directed by Fatima Wilson, filled the auditorium with the vibrant, sunny sounds of the islands.

To close out the evening, the Marymount Senior Band took the stage with a lively set including the traditional English round Summer Is Icumen In, Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, selections from Fiddler on the Roof, and the dramatic Bolero by Maurice Ravel.

As the final note faded, Vice-Principal Amanda Foster took a moment to thank the dedicated teachers and staff who make the school’s music program such a success. Their hard work and the students’ dedication and talent were evident throughout the evening. The evening was a powerful testament to the strength of Marymount Academy International’s music program, showcasing not only the remarkable talent of its students but also the dedication and expertise of the educators who inspire and guide them.


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