Young Composer Shines with The Architecture of Light
Former Chisholm Catholic College student and emerging composer Evangeline Frew is making an impressive start to university life, since graduating from Chisholm Catholic College in 2025. Evie is currently undertaking a combined Bachelor of Music (Composition) and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Anthropology at UWA.
A clarinettist since the age of nine, Evie has since expanded her musical skills to include piano and guitar. Her passion for playing, and now composing, music grew throughout her time at Chisholm, especially following her decision to study ATAR Music in Year 11 and 12. Evie now recognises how profoundly her studies and involvement in the arts programmes at Chisholm helped form her and set her up for university life.
Evangeline’s UWA inspired and acclaimed original composition, titled The Architecture of Light, has been awarded the People’s Choice Award in UWA’s 2026 Ransom Award, which features new compositions by UWA Conservatorium students as well as past prize winners. Evie’s piece was inspired by the iconic Rose Window, of Winthrop Hall. She sought to express through her composition, “musical colour, contrast and texture” reflective of the feelings inspired by the dynamic patterns of light and shadow cast across the hall. Evie avoids focusing on the technical elements, instead she focusses on the emotion she intends her audience to feel through the listening experience.
Beyond composing, Evie loves jazz, photography and filmmaking, all creative pursuits centred on storytelling and human connection, just as she enjoyed the creative arts throughout her time at Chisholm. In 2026, Evie has been one of our wonderful Homework Club tutors assisting current Chisholm students after school in their studies, and recently she represented the College Alumni in presenting the 2026 Alumni Award to Eleni Chapman during the final whole school assembly celebrating our 2026 Graduates. We congratulate Evie and look forward to her future contribution to and involvements with the Chisholm Catholic College’s Alumni Committee.
Mr John Swindells
Deputy Principal – Community
