MELBOURNE - An audience of 450 people listened to the eight songs brilliantly performed by the 120 students from Years 3 to 6.

After months of rehearsals directed by the Italian teacher - the indefatigable Bruna Centofanti - the choir sang in the hall of the Furlan club in Thornbury, which had been completely decorated in the colours of the Italian flag.

Roger and Gino, teachers at Gladstone Park Secondary College, accompanied the students and brightened the evening with the notes of Un elefante si dondolava, Sarà perché ti amo (accompanied on guitar by new Principal Adam Dunemann), Tu sei l’amore and Andavo cento all’ora, as well as Eh cumpari and a selection of children’s songs that have been sung at the school since the students were in Prep.

The music and dancing continued until 8pm as the kids danced the tarantella and listened to the Friulan men’s choir, made up of members of the Fogolar Furlan who were wearing the traditional clothes of their region. They performed three pieces of traditional Italian music: Volare, Marina and Campagnola bella.

It was exciting to witness two different generations listening to each other sharing the same passion for singing.

After the show and an excellent pizza, the children from Brunswick North decorated masks and took photos in the school’s photobooth, which is a fan favourite every year.

It’s extraordinary to see how much interest the students have in Dante’s language, even for those who are not of Italian origin. The kids always show great enthusiasm for learning not only the language, but the culture too.

Music, the true universal language, is able to unite the students, help improve their pronunciation and keep alive the bond Italian-Australian students have with their roots.

The concert was also a success thanks to the contribution of teachers Sara, Lina, Roby and Adam Dunemann.

Dunemann remarked on how attending the concert allowed him to understand why it’s such a heartfelt and significant occasion for the school community.

And now, preparations are underway for next year.