Winmalee High School students delivered a heavy metal performance at the Sydney Opera House during the Festival of Choral Music 2026. The Blue Mountains Gazette reported that the newly formed Winmalee High Rock Orchestra secured a featured spot at the event’s Argyle Concert on Monday, August 3.
The ensemble performed a rendition of Metallica’s Of Wolf and Man after succeeding in a competitive audition process managed by the Department of Education’s Arts Unit. Year 10 students Archie Saliba, Ashton Danks and Taro Pickham developed the concept, inspired by the album featuring Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
To execute the vision, the group combined school string players and the concert band with Year 11 vocalist Liam Boys. Local musician and woodwind teacher Tim Oram arranged the piece, utilizing his professional experience writing for artists like Queen and Bruno Mars. The performance included 28 student musicians supported by six staff members.
Principal Voula Facas expressed pride in the collaboration, noting the enthusiastic applause from the audience and the presence of many families. Retired music educator Mal Hewitt, whose sons participated in the trumpet and saxophone sections, stated he left the venue immensely proud of the young musicians.
For more information, visit bluemountainsgazette.com.au.