The tenth Ark Music Gala had a packed audience of nearly 1300 guests, who were treated to impressive performances by children of all ages and musical abilities.
The theme 'A Night of Hope and Celebration' recognised the current climate and situations we have been living through the past few years.
Guests were treated to pre-Gala performances by several schools before the main event, which kicked off with a rousing rendition of Revival by Gregory Porter. The night featured performances ranging from a jazz quintet, comprising some of the network's most talented instrumentalists, to a spectacular Year 3 djembe and dance showcase, as well as crowd-pleasing renditions of songs such as You Gotta Be by Des'ree and Eurovision-winning song Love Shine a Light by Katrina and the Waves. Other standout pieces included a medley of New Orleans jazz, Bollywood music and K-Pop by Ark Isaac Newton students, and a breathtaking solo by Ark All Saints student Erin Moir.
Pupils also performed Te Vaka's Loimata e Magili, a moving tribute to 19 young girls whose lives were tragically lost in a fire in Vaitupu in the Pacific Islands.
The Gala ended with all children performing We Will Rise, sung initially by Ndlovu Youth Choir from South Africa, an anthem about hope, inner strength and overcoming obstacles.