At Santa Sabina College, excellence in music education is more than a tradition – it is a defining part of who we are. Early in 2026, that tradition shone brightly as two of our talented young composers were recognised at the prestigious 2MBS Fine Music Student Composer competition.
Year 9 composer Estelle Gilmovich was awarded first place for her enchanting original work Valse des Petites Étoiles. Professionally recorded in the 2MBS studios, her piece will soon feature as the theme for one of the station’s regular segments – an extraordinary achievement for a developing artist. In her interview, Estelle credited the dedicated support of her Santa Sabina music teachers and the inspiration she discovered through our annual Australian Composers Day, a signature program that has nurtured countless emerging creators.
We also proudly congratulate Year 10 student Ilia Kim, who won second place for her evocative composition Clownfish. Judges praised the work as ‘pretty, atmospheric… The percussion is lightly used and has delicate touches and the flutes are enchanting, beautifully phrased in thirds,‘ noting also its cinematic quality and strong musical imagination. Ilia’s achievement further highlights the depth of talent fostered in our music program.
These outstanding results reflect Santa Sabina’s commitment to cultivating confident, creative and technically sophisticated young musicians.
Looking Ahead: Australian Composers Day 2026
As one of NSW’s leading music schools, Santa Sabina College is proud to host Australian Composers Day on 4 May 2026, an annual celebration that connects students with some of the nation’s most influential musical voices. This year’s event promises to be our most exciting yet, featuring an eclectic lineup of guest artists representing the incredible diversity of Australia’s musical landscape – from the dynamic artistry of Luka Lesson to acclaimed composers Maria Grenfell and Alice Chance.
Across workshops, masterclasses and conversations, students will gain rare insight into professional creative practice, broadening their understanding of composition and discovering the many pathways available to emerging musicians.
Welcoming participants from schools across NSW, Australian Composers Day stands as one of the highlights of our calendar and a testament to Santa Sabina’s leadership in music education.
