Our choir performs at the Sydney Opera House

The talent group performed in the NSW Department of Education's Festival of Choral Music (FoCM).

This prestigious event was held in the concert hall of the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 12 September.

The audition process to be part of this festival is highly competitive, with schools from all over NSW vying for selection.

Bel Canto has been successful in gaining a place in these festivals since the choir's formation approximately 15 years ago, under the direction of Mrs Robyn Ryan.

Similarly, with over 70 students in Bel Canto, the audition process to be selected for the trip was gruelling.

"The 36 students who were selected, all of who are in years 5 and 6, were thrilled with their selection and continued to work hard in order to ensure their place on the trip," said the school's assistant principal, Mrs Dayna Moritz.

"Students involved were able to raise funds towards the cost of this trip by participating in a singathon-style concert held at school."

"This singathon also raised money for the ongoing costs of running such a specialised program."

The trip to Sydney included lots of singing and sightseeing. The group was accompanied by Mrs Moritz and Mrs Ros Mangold (deputy principal).

"The choir enjoyed a ferry ride to Manly, singing on the bow for an appreciative, but unsuspecting, audience," Mrs Moritz said.

 "Wherever the choir travelled, they received numerous compliments from the public for their exemplary behaviour, manners and beautiful singing."

Once at the Sydney Opera House, the choir rehearsed for the afternoon with a short dinner break before the big event.

The students sang as part of a massed group of approximately 700 students to an audience of around 2000 people.

The school was singled out by the concert conductor, Jacqui Shaw, who described the determination and talent of regional schools, and the incredible commitment by the students, their families and the staff involved in order for these exceptional opportunities to be experienced.

Tacking Point Public School's Principal, Mr Phil Harris, was also invited to speak on the evening and he introduced all the schools involved in the concert.

"The concert was absolutely breathtaking and it was an experience for the students and their parents to be remembered always," Mrs Moritz said.

"After three days away, there was no time to rest for this exceptional group, who then went on to perform in Tacking Point Public School's Concert of Excellence at the Glasshouse the following week.

"They have a few more gigs lined up to finish the year, including the lighting of the Christmas tree at Town Green."