GIBS Sings!

On Sunday, 16 November, the GIBS Junior and Senior Choirs—along with Classes 3a, 3b, and 3c—joined forces with the VocinVolo Choir from Udine for a spectacular performance alongside Grosse Chance finalist Paolo Scariano in the stunning Stefaniensaal.

The 185-voice choir, accompanied by the Bel Canto Orchestra (featuring GIBS graduate Cathi Liendl) and conducted by GIBS parent Thomas Platzgummer, presented a festive program titled Buon Natale (Merry Christmas). The repertoire included beloved holiday classics in five languages: O Du Fröhliche (Konstantin Krischner 3b, soloist), O Sanctissima, O Tannenbaum (Olivia Platzgummer 3c, soloist), Ist Finster Draußt, Deck the Halls, Cantique de Noël (O Holy Night), and the Italian carol Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle.

Students also joined Mr. Scariano for the timeless Con Te Partirò (Time to Say Goodbye). GIBS students Laetitia Taurer (5C) and Lily Fink (7B) shone as soloists on the opening theme Nuovo Cinema Paradiso from Ennio Morricone’s classic film Cinema Paradiso.  The choirs and orchestra united for the final two songs, closing with the beloved Love Theme (Se). The Choir alone was featured on John William’s Somewhere in My Memory, accompanied by Leon Muchitsch (6A), and the challenging Nutcracker Jingles, a playful blend of Jingle Bells with melodies from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

Additionally, Mr. Scariano captivated the audience with Mi Mancherai, White Christmas, Miserere, You Raise Me Up, and The Prayer, which was performed alongside the extraordinary 11-year-old Viennese soloist Mia Stichenwirth.

Adding to the magic, GIBS graduates Emma Eger, Marie Juric, Sofia Maiburg, Zoe Maletz, Lina Platzgummer, Valerie Senger (Class of 2023) and Valerie Friedman (Class of 2022) led the opening of an Ella Fitzgerald-inspired rendition of Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town and joined in a festive adaptation of That’s Amore (È Natale!).

The evening ended on a high note with the encore Feliz Navidad, bringing the audience to their feet and filling the hall with joy and dance.

A heartfelt thank you to all the students for their dedication and to Mr. Platzgummer and Mr. Scariano for making this historic event possible.