(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.data-privacy-src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MF9T2HG');

Gezel’s meteoric rise to singing stardom on The Voice

The journey to stardom is often filled with unexpected twists, remarkable experiences, and the discovery of one’s unique voice.

St Raphael’s Catholic Primary School South Hurstville student Gezel, an exceptionally talented young singer, is currently making waves on the latest season of The Voice Australia as the youngest contestant ever. 

At just 12 years old, she has managed to captivate the hearts of audiences and judges alike with her powerful performances and undeniable stage presence.

Gezel’s journey on The Voice began with a leap of faith and an unwavering passion for music. In a recent interview, she shared how her journey to the show was inspired by her family’s encouragement and her own love for the art form. 

“I’ve been watching The Voice since I was really little. My family and I have always talked about me entering the competition and what a great experience it would be,” Gezel said.

One of the most striking aspects of Gezel’s participation in The Voice is her age. In an era where the minimum age requirements for singing competitions are usually around 15 years of age, Gezel’s presence as one of the youngest contestants globally is groundbreaking. 

Her journey underscores the power of passion and determination, defying conventional age limits.

Gezel’s love of performing has been nurtured both inside and outside the classroom. She shared how Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) has been supportive of her artistic pursuits. 

“I had previously only performed in front of a live audience eight times before my first audition on The Voice. 

“One of these performances was with SCS for a musical showcase at Qudos Bank Arena, where I had the chance to perform in a stadium that holds 11,000 people,” Gezel said.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but Gezel …

Nurture your child’s inner performer

Sebastian Youseff dreams of being a famous actor.

There are loads of course pathways he could have followed to land his dream career.

With the hope of one day establishing a career as an actor, he chose a Performing Arts ATAR pathway at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood.

Acting aspirant Sebastian Youseff playing his guitar

Sebastian (pictured right) said he loved that the College allowed him to tap into his creative side.

“I want to go to NYU Tisch School of the Arts,” Sebastian explained. “If not Tisch, then NIDA or WAAPA (the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts).”

As a first step he is undertaking senior Stage 6 Drama and to complement his passion for the Performing Arts he is also about to complete a Certificate III in Screen and Media at Southern Cross, Sydney Catholic Schools’ only specialist performing arts college.

His passion for acting was sparked two years ago when he watched ‘The Lighthouse’.

“I thought that was great and joined The Art Umbrella (School of Performing Arts),” Sebastian, who is now in Year 11, said.

“There’s nothing better than doing a good performance, and people saying you were great!”

The journey to stardom

Southern Cross is now holding auditions for its 2023 Performing Arts stream. 

Located in the inner-west of Sydney, Southern Cross is offering full-time and part-time enrolments in Years 9 to Year 12 as part of its “Ignite Your Passion” initiative.

“The Performing Arts stream provides a specialist pathway for gifted and talented students with experience in, and …

September 20, 2022|

The Voice 2022: SCS alumna turns four chairs in her blind audition

Nicola de Sensi is the latest St Patrick’s College Sutherland alumna to take reality singing show The Voice Australia by storm.

Sydney Catholic Schools alumna Nicola De SensiAll four judges turned their chairs for Nicola during her blind audition performance this week of hit Billie Eilish song ‘when the party’s over’. 

This gave the 20-year-old the opportunity to pick her coach on the Channel 7 show. She ultimately chose to join Team Guy Sebastian.

Cheering for Nicola off stage were her mother, father, brother and her Nonna (grandmother), who Nicola referred to as her “number one fan”.

“She’s been wanting me to go on (the program) forever,” Nicola told judge Jessica Mauboy during her blind audition.

Last year Nicola’s schoolmates Jordan and Sian Fuller also turned all four judges’ chairs during the show’s blind auditions. The talented siblings ended up progressing all the way to the show’s finals.

Now Nicola is hoping to follow in their giant footsteps.

The Voice Australia airs Mondays through Wednesdays on Channel 7.

The brain-boosting benefits of an Amadeus music education

April 22, 2022|

CaSPA alumna debut single

CaSPA Sydney alumna Julia Ivory debut single, ‘To the Bone’, explores the under discussed topic of anorexia nervosa.

The song eloquently addresses the artist’s personal struggles over the past few years, and of “feeling locked in my own mind”.

“I found myself turning to my music in my darkest times,” Julia explained.

“I wrote this song in the middle of the night at my piano to calm down, and it all poured out.

“My recovery is a part of who I am, and I am not doing my job if I can’t shed light on what I’ve experienced” – Julia Ivory

“I want people to know there is a way out of it (anorexia nervosa) and you can recover,” Julia said.

The road to stardom

The talented 2019 St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove graduate co-wrote and co-produced the single with her mentor and former CaSPA tutor, Philippe-Marc Anquetil.

“CaSPA gave me my first recording experience in the recording studio at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood, and got me looking at the production side as well” – Julia Ivory

Philippe-Marc said Julia joined the CaSPA family in 2013 as an 11 year old, performing an incredibly mature rendition of ‘The Prayer’ in its Have You Got Talent event.

“She continued on as a regular cast member of the CaSPA vocal ensemble, singer-songwriter ensemble and the Youth Ministry Band,” he said.

“It has been a privilege to watch her grow and develop her talent with integrity and honesty” – Philippe-Marc Anquetil

“We cannot wait to continue to follow her rise,” Philippe-Marc said.

Creative from the get-go

Julia’s musical journey began in Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School Kingsgrove, when her Year 1 teacher recognised her incredible singing ability and spoke to her parents about it.

“As a little girl, I sang in the choir a lot, which helped me learn to harmonise; this experience …

November 3, 2021|
Go to Top