From Stage Lights to Community Spotlight – Pia Harris (2001)
From her first performance at age three to centre stage at Carnegie Hall, Pia Harris’ journey in music and performance has been anything but ordinary. Pia (Class of 2001) has carved out a remarkable career as a performer, composer, and director, all while staying deeply connected to community and culture. In this Q&A, Pia reflects on the people and moments that shaped her path, the joy of seeing young people find their voice, and why empowering others through music is her most meaningful work yet.
What are you currently working on that excites you most?
So many wonderful projects but I would say the re-mount of my children’s show Biggest Baddest Wolf that I wrote and directed for West Australian Opera last year. It has toured Perth and Geraldton and is having a second season in Term 2 this year. I’m excited to revise the script and score, to refine the piece with the cast in rehearsal and for more people to see and enjoy it.Â
What first sparked your love for music and performance?
There were many moments that have sparked my interest; however, I think the first was when I danced on stage at the Octagon Theatre at three years old with my ballet school.Â
How did your time at Santa Maria College influence your path into music and leadership?
Whilst I was at Santa Maria College, we had a strong collaborative relationship with Aquinas College, combined choir, concert band, orchestra, productions and music camps. The Director of Music there, Chris MacMillan really encouraged me, selected me for vocal solos in the combined choir performances, lead roles in their productions, and introduced me to repertoire that I ended up singing in performance, in London. He was endlessly inspiring to me and is the reason I chose to pursue a career in music.Â
Was there a particular teacher, subject or experience at school that really stayed with you?
Studying Drama with Hal Davies at Santa Maria was a formative experience for me. Hal’s deep understanding of dramaturgy, character development and staging truly resonated with me. Those lessons solidified my decision to pursue a career in performance.
What is your favourite memory of your time at Santa Maria College
Our Year 12 production, Anne of Green Gables is a favourite memory of mine. I had a lot of close friends in the cast, and it was wonderful to share our hard work and craft with the whole school community.
You have performed on some of the world’s most iconic stages. What has been a highlight in your journey so far?
Performing at Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall were definitely highlights. They are testaments to your hard work and real dream come true moments. A recent highlight has been travelling to the Great Southern to teach 2,500 children Kinjarling, an acknowledgment song written in Noongar language for the community. Seeing those children sing their hearts out, in language, in a song that deeply resonates with them, was truly incredible.Â
You are now mentoring young musicians and leading community programs across WA. Why is that work important to you?
It is very important to me that my work has a youth mentorship and community engagement focus. It is my opinion that youth and community in this state and this country need a space to belong and connect. This focus gives my work the highest possible purpose and is, therefore, all the more rewarding. Imparting what I learnt at the Royal College of Music, English National Opera and National Opera Studio, can inspire, lift up and empower the people I work with to develop their skills, building confidence and community.
What is one lesson conducting has taught you about leadership?
In order to lead well, I believe you need to empower people and lift them up. Moreover, listen to their ideas and work together as a team.
How do you create a sense of belonging and connection through music, especially in regional communities?
It is important to create a warm, safe environment to allow for people to belong and connect. I always start a session with a grounding exercise where we all breathe together and I hold space for people to share their thoughts and feelings. When people sing together they are immediately connected, through shared activity and experience. I encourage people to connect further in the breaks, to chat to people they haven’t spoken to before, and this broadens their networks and strengthens the community. Â
How do you relax, do you have any hobbies or interests outside music?
I love being in nature, going for long coastal walks, gardening and hosting.Â
We’d like to thank Pia for sharing her story, one of passion, purpose and people. Her love of music and performance may have started with a childhood ballet recital, but it was nurtured by mentors, community and a strong sense of belonging – foundations laid during her time at Santa Maria College. Today, as she lifts others up through mentorship and community engagement, Pia continues to embody the College’s values of compassion, excellence and service.
All photos in this article credited to Nic Duncan
- Alumni Spotlight, Community Engagement, Featured, Music Education, Performing Arts, Pia Harris, Santa Maria College alumni, WA Opera, Youth Mentorship
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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