In this issue: NZCF Member discount for Eric Whitacre concerts / Cadenza and Finale celebrations / The Kids Sing during September / National choir auditions / Catch up on Choral Connect '21 with Catrin Johnsson / Barbershop National Convention in Palmerston North
Dear <<First Name>>,
After 15 long years The Big Sing Finale returned to Christchurch last week. What a great privilege it was to be in the audience in the wonderful, refurbished Christchuch Town Hall.
Despite disruption caused by Covid earlier in the year, Finale singers demonstrated a quest for great performances, the joy of singing in a choir, and what can be achieved through enthusiasm, teamwork and collaboration. Despite the element of competition, the Finale was characterised by generosity of spirit - with singers encouraging and appreciating the performances of other choirs - and an energetic and often noisy collegiality.
The future of New Zealand choral composition is bright. It was heartening to hear works by emerging composers, including Flames by Westlake Boys' High School student William Squire, the winning piece in this year's NZCF-SOUNZ Choral Composition Competition, and Ka Mate Te Reo | Te Reaka Kotahi, by Estella Wallace of Christchurch Girls' High School, winner of the SOUNZ-NZCF Te Reo Choral Composition Award.
Tens of thousands of people from around the world watched the livestream of the Gala Concert expertly compèred by Miriam Kamo, who moved seamlessly between English and Te Reo.
I am sure that over the three Cadenzas and Finale, choir members have all enjoyed the proven benefits of singing with others. The wellbeing of those of us in the audience was also enhanced as we sat entranced by their performances.
Ngā mihi nui to all the staff and volunteers who made the Regionals, Cadenzas and Finale run so smoothly, and to the choir conductors and instrumentalists, school leaders, parents and all the singers who contiributed to the 2022 The Big Sing being such a wonderful event.
Warwick Harvey
Governance Board Chair New Zealand Choral Federation Te Kotahitanga Manu Reo o Aotearoa
Eric Whitacre in NZ this month Our friends at Choirs Aotearoa are offering a discount to NZCF members for the open rehearsals and concerts with Eric Whitacre and Voices NZ in Auckland and Wellington. NZCF members will receive a special email next week with the discount code to book online.
Cadenza and Finale celebrations After several years of Covid-related disruptions, it was a triumph to successfully hold all three Cadenzas and the National Finale last month. Huge congratulations to everyone involved. Read more about these festivals on our website, and order professional images from the Finale.
The Kids Sing in September Last month NZCF East Coast hosted a 'super celebration of singing' with The Kids Sing. September will see two more Kids Sing events taking place, in Auckland (13-14 September) and in Palmerston North (16 September). Click through for session times and details.
Join one of NZ's national choirs! All three of Aotearoa's national choirs will be holding auditions next month. Head to choirs.nz and click through to the New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir, NZ Youth Choir, or Voices NZ page to find out how to apply before the September deadlines!
Creativity at Choral Connect '21 We're pleased to share another video in our series from last year's Choral Connect - this one featuring Catrin Johnsson's insightful presentation of ideas, theories and scientific findings about Creativity.
Barbershop National Convention Our Barbershop colleagues are holding their annual convention in Palmerston North from 20-25 September, and are expecting 700 high school competitors and more than 500 conference delegates. Click through for details.
Advertisements and Vacancies
Apply now to audition for the 2023-24 New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir
Kumeu Blend seeks Musical Director to start February 2023
Director wanted for choir in Warkworth
Register for Wellington's "May" Workshop, 7-8 October
Fundraising concert by NZ Youth Choir members in Auckland
Celebrate Spring with the Christchurch City Chorus, 10 September
Book your audition for the 2023-2025 NZ Youth Choir in October
Singers wanted: City of Auckland Singers seeking fresh voices
Registrations are open for the 2023 Teapot Summer School: 14-23 January in Nelson
