Marsden’s auditorium was alive with the sound of music on Wednesday during the annual Swainson Memorial Music Competition, which featured 44 performances by students from Years 7–13. Held alongside the Nell Clere Music Scholarship, this competition is an opportunity for our talented musicians to share their gifts with the community.

 

The Swainson Memorial Prize, awarded in memory of Frances Betty Swainson (Marsden 1922–1926), recognises outstanding musical performance on any instrument or voice. Alongside this, the Nell Clere Scholarship, valued at $1,000, is awarded by the Marsden Old Girls’ Association to a student in Years 7–12 who shows outstanding potential.

 

This year’s adjudicator was highly respected musician and educator, Tom Chatterton, whose solo engagements have taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and St Thomas’ Church on Fifth Avenue in New York.  

 

A particularly special moment was the unveiling of a new grand piano, generously gifted by Sarah Billinghurst Solomon, a Marsden alumna who went on to a distinguished international career in opera, including over two decades at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Speaking on her behalf, John Thomason of the Marsden Foundation shared her remarkable journey and lifelong passion for the arts. The piano is dedicated to her mother, Helen Simmons, a Marsden Old Girl (1928–1932) and accomplished pianist in her own right.



John Thomason of the Marsden Foundation unveiling the grand piano gifted by Sarah Billinghurst Solomon

The day concluded with a prizewinners’ concert, featuring performances from the winners of each section. Congratulations to all of the students who performed, particularly our well-deserved winners.

Middle School Prize for Junior Performance

The Middle School Prize for Junior Performance was introduced in 2020 and is open to Year 7 and 8 students in recognition of their outstanding performance.  

Year 7-8 Winners

• Adjudicator's Award: Clara Casserly (Year 7) and Christina He (Year 8)
• Highly Commended: Claire Zhong (Year 8)
• Middle School Prize: Amber Li (Year 7)



Amber Li, winner of the Middle School Prize

Marian Campbell Prize for Junior Performance

The Marian Campbell Prize for Junior Performance was introduced in 2022 and is open to Year 9 and 10 students in recognition of their outstanding performance.  

Year 9-10 Winners

• Adjudicator's Award: Christine Tan (Year 9) and Angel Encarnado (Year 10)
• Highly Commended: Sai Parekh (Year 10)
• Marian Campbell Prize: Grace Young (Year 10)



Grace Young, winner of the Marian Campbell Prize

Betty Swainson Memorial Prize for Musical Performance

The Betty Swainson Memorial Prize for Musical Performance was established in our Centenary Year in 1978 and is open to students in Years 11 to 13 in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Year 11-13 Winners

• Adjudicator's Award: Lopa Mistry (Year 13) and Jessica Caldwell (Year 12)
• Highly Commended: Milliann Lim (Year 13)
• Betty Swainson Memorial Prize: Aubane Farcy (Year 13)



Aubane Farcy, winner of the Betty Swainson Memorial Prize

Nell Clere Music Scholarship

Kathleen Clere (Nell) was a past pupil and music teacher at Marsden. She helped establish the Old Girls’ Association with Miss Baber and in 1936 was its second president. Her interest and support in the school and its endeavours remained with her all her life. This scholarship enables the recipient to continue their musical studies while at Marsden.

 

• Highly Commended: Abigail Hyde (Year 12)
• Nell Clere Music Scholarship: Marama Hambly (Year 12)



Marama Hambly, winner of the Nell Clere Music Scholarship

The 2025 Swainson Memorial Music Competition celebrated not only musical achievement, but also the generosity and community spirit that continue to support the arts at Marsden. Our heartfelt thanks go to Sarah Billinghurst Solomon for her extraordinary gift. We would also like to acknowledge accompanist Emma Sayers, Mrs Kim New, long-time supporter of the Highly Commended awards, former Development Manager Bridget Child for her leadership in 2024’s performing arts fundraising campaign and of course, our Director of Music, Marian Campbell and Director of Performing Arts, Sarah Wilson.  



Director of Music Marian Campbell, Director of Performing Arts Sarah Wilson, Deputy Principal Jenny Caldwell, Marsden Foundation board member John Thomason, former Development Manager Bridget Child, Heads of Music Ari Andrews and Aubane Farcy